Supernova Remnant E0102 72 from Radio to X-Ray
Explanation:
Not all stars form a big Q after they explode.
The shape of
supernova remnant
E0102-72, however,
is giving astronomers a clue about how
tremendous explosions disperse
elements
and interact with surrounded gas.
The
above image is a composite of three
different photographs in three different
types of light.
Radio waves, shown in red, trace high-energy
electrons spiraling around
magnetic field lines in the
shock wave expanding out from the detonated star.
Optical light, shown in green, traces clumps of
relatively cool gas that includes
oxygen.
X-rays, shown in blue, show relatively
hot gas that has been heated to millions of
degrees.
This gas has been heated by an inward moving
shock wave that has rebounded from a collision
with existing or slower moving gas.
This big Q currently measures 40
light-years across and was found
in our neighboring
SMC galaxy.
Perhaps we would know even more if we could
buy a vowel.
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.
