Paris, France – The European Space Agency (ESA) has uncovered the ancient echo of an 800-year-old supernova explosion, revealing the remains of a celestial event that mesmerized observers in the year 1181.
Historical accounts describe the appearance of a rare supernova in the night sky that rivaled Saturn’s brightness and stayed visible for an impressive 185 days, according to ESA. Scientists initially believed that the nebula surrounding the pulsar 3C 58 could be the aftermath of the supernova, but further investigations proved otherwise.
In recent years, researchers have identified another possible candidate, Pa 30, a circular nebula with a central star located in the constellation Cassiopeia. By combining images from different telescopes, a composite image of this nebula has been created, offering a stunning glimpse into the supernova remnant that graced the skies over 800 years ago.
The examination of the supernova remnant’s components has led scientists to conclude that it stemmed from a thermonuclear explosion, specifically a sub-luminous Type Iax supernova event. This type of event involves the merging of two white dwarf stars, typically leaving no remnant behind. However, the incomplete explosions can create a ‘zombie’ star, as seen in this system.
ESA notes that the composite image of the supernova remnant reveals a spherical bright nebula at its core, surrounded by a constellation of white, dotted stars. Several rays extend outward from the nebula resembling celestial fireworks emanating from a central star. The unique combination of the hot star and the nebula provides a valuable opportunity for studying rare cosmic phenomena.
Further research and observations are essential to deepen our understanding of this ancient supernova explosion and the remnants it left behind in space. This discovery sheds light on the captivating nature of our universe and the importance of exploring its mysteries.