An X-ray Hot Supernova in M81
Credit & Copyright: ISAS,
NASA, Y. Kohmura
Explanation:
In 1993, a star in the
galaxy
M81 exploded.
Above is a picture of the hot material ejected by this
supernova explosion.
The picture was taken in
X-rays with the
Advanced
Satellite for Cosmology and Astrophysics
(
ASCA).
Since M81 is a relatively nearby galaxy, it can be
examined in close detail by observatories on or near the
Earth. Since the
Earth's atmosphere protects the surface from
interstellar X-radiation, the
above
photo was taken from space. Studying
the nature and distribution of the X-rays has allowed astronomers to
determine the composition and temperature of the expanding supernova gas.
Authors & editors:
Robert Nemiroff
(MTU) &
Jerry Bonnell
(USRA)
NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings,
and Disclaimers
NASA Official: Jay Norris.
Specific
rights apply.
A service of:
LHEA at
NASA /
GSFC
& Michigan Tech. U.
