Shocked by Supernova 1987a
Explanation:
Eleven years ago the
brightest
supernova of modern times
was recorded. Now the expanding debris from this
tremendous stellar explosion is seen to be
crashing into
previously expelled material.
The onset of this collision is shown by the arrow in the
above picture as the yellow spot on the interior of the ring.
Although the collision is occurring at speeds near
60 million km/hour, it will appear to take years due
to the vast distances involved. As the
supernova blast wave moves out, it
shock-heats any gas it encounters, causing it to glow.
Astronomers are thus hopeful that the blast wave will
illuminate the interesting past of
SN 1987a, and perhaps provide more clues
about the origins of the
mysterious rings.
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.
