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In 1181, observers from different parts of the world were captivated by the appearance of a new 'star' in the constellation Cassiopeia, an event now identified as a rare supernova explosion. Visible for 185 days, this supernova shone with the brightness of Saturn, embedding itself in historical records.
The search for the remnants of this celestial phenomenon has puzzled astronomers for ce by Erica Marchand
Paris, France (SPX) Mar 27, 2024
In 1181, observers from different parts of the world were captivated by the appearance of a new 'star' in the constellation Cassiopeia, an event now identified as a rare supernova explosion. Visible for 185 days, this supernova shone with the brightness of Saturn, embedding itself in historical records.
The search for the remnants of this celestial phenomenon has puzzled astronomers for centuries. Initially thought to be associated with the pulsar 3C 58, further research indicated that the pulsar predates the supernova. The discovery of Pa 30, a nearly circular nebula with a central star located in the same constellation, marked a turning point. This nebula, through combined images from various telescopes, presents a detailed view of what was once an 800-year-old spectacle.
The European Space Agency's XMM-Newton and NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory have been instrumental in mapping the nebula's full extent and central source, respectively. Despite its faint appearance in optical light, the nebula is vivid in infrared, captured by NASA's Wide-field Infrared Space Explorer. The Hiltner 2.4 m telescope at the MDM Observatory and Pan-STARRS in Hawaii have contributed to observing its sulphur-rich radial structure and the surrounding stars, illustrating a composite image across the electromagnetic spectrum.
Scientific analysis suggests that the supernova was a Type Iax event, a less common thermonuclear explosion resulting from the merger of two white dwarf stars. Unlike typical supernovae, this event left behind a 'zombie' star, a massive white dwarf characterized by its extreme temperature and swift stellar wind. This remnant, one of the Milky Way's hottest stars, provides a unique lens through which to study the mechanics of such rare cosmic occurrences.
This collaborative effort among international telescopes underscores the importance of multi-wavelength astronomy in unraveling the mysteries of the universe. The legacy of the supernova of 1181, through the lens of modern technology, offers a glimpse into the dynamic and ever-changing cosmos.
Research Report:Basic Pulsar Science at ESA
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