Chandra Finds X-rays From a Supernova
August 2, 2012
Using Chandra, astronomers have detected X-rays from the remains of a supernova that was spotted from Earth over 50 years ago. The full-field image shows Chandra's view of M83 during a long observation where low, medium, and high-energy X-rays are red, green, and blue respectively. This is the first time the remains of SN 1957D have been detected in X-rays. Chandra's new X-ray data provide important information about the nature of this explosion that astronomers think happened when a massive star ran out of fuel and collapsed.
Credit: X-ray: NASA/CXC/STScI/K.Long et al.
Credit: X-ray: NASA/CXC/STScI/K.Long et al.
Topics:
X-rays, Supernovae, Supernova remnants, Chandra Finds, Environment, Centaurus A, Stellar evolution, Supernova, Chandra X-ray Observatory, Space Telescope Science Institute
