SN 185, RCW 86, Supernova, X-Ray
X-ray images from NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory and the ESAs XMM-Newton Observatory are combined to form the blue and green colors in the image. The X-rays show the interstellar gas that has been heated to millions of degrees by the passage of the shock wave from the supernova. RCW 86 remains of the oldest documented example of a supernova. By studying X-ray and infrared data, astronomers were able to determine that the cause of the explosion witnessed nearly 2,000 years ago was a Type Ia supernova, in which an otherwise-stable white dwarf was pushed beyond the brink of stability when a companion star dumped material onto it. By blowing a wind prior to exploding, the white dwarf was able to clear out a huge cavity, a region of very low-density surrounding the system. The explosion into this cavity was able to expand much faster than it otherwise would have. This is the first time that this type of cavity has been seen around a white dwarf system prior to explosion. Scientists say the results may have significant implications for theories of white-dwarf binary systems and Type Ia supernovae. RCW 86 is approximately 8,000 light-years away. Release date October 26, 2011.
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Photo credit: © Photo Researchers / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
Model Released: No
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