X-Ray Ring Around SN1987A
Credit & Copyright: X-ray: D.Burrows (PSU) et al.,
Optical: P.Challis (CfA) et al.,
NASA
Explanation:
This
false-color image from the
Chandra X-ray Observatory
reveals a one light-year diameter ring of hot, ten million degree plasma.
It is one of the most detailed
X-ray images of the
expanding blast wave from
supernova 1987A
(
SN1987A).
At visible wavelengths
SN1987A
is famous for its
evolving rings, and
superposed on this image are white contour lines which outline the
innermost optical ring as seen by the
Hubble Space Telescope.
The composite picture clearly shows that the X-ray emitting shocked
material lies just inside the optical ring.
In fact,
the X-ray
emission seems to peak (whitest color) close to
where the optical emission peaks (closely spaced contours), a persuasive
demonstration that the
optical light
is produced as the blast wave plows into surrounding material.
What will
SN1987A look like in the future?
According to a popular model,
in coming years the expanding supernova blast wave should
hit and light up even more material while
the violent impacts send reverse
shocks back towards
the site of the explosion and light up the ejected stellar debris.
In any event, astronomers will watch eagerly from a ringside seat as a
new
supernova remnant emerges.
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.
