PARIS, France – The Europe Space Agency (ESA) has recently uncovered the remnants of an 800-year-old supernova explosion, shedding light on a celestial event that mesmerized observers in the year 1181. The supernova, noted for its brilliance equivalent to Saturn’s luminosity, remained visible in the night sky for an impressive 185 consecutive days according to historical records. Scientists have been working diligently to identify the remnant of this unique cosmic phenomenon, originally speculating that the nebula surrounding the pulsar 3C 58 might be associated with the supernova. However, further examination revealed that the pulsar existed before the 1181 explosion.
In recent years, researchers have turned their attention to Pa 30, a nearly circular nebula with a central star located in the constellation Cassiopeia. By combining data from various telescopes, a composite image of this nebula has been created, providing a glimpse into the supernova remnant that lit up the skies over 800 years ago. The XMM-Newton telescope from ESA has captured X-ray observations of the nebula’s full expanse, while NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory has identified its central source. The nebula, not visible in optical light, emanates brightly in infrared light, detected by NASA’s Wide-field Infrared Space Explorer.
An analysis of the remnant’s composition suggests that it stemmed from a thermonuclear explosion, specifically a sub-luminous Type Iax supernova event. This type of event arises from the merger of two white dwarf stars, typically resulting in no remnants. However, incomplete explosions can lead to the formation of a ‘zombie’ star. The unique combination of the hot star within Pa 30 and the surrounding nebula presents a rare opportunity for scientists to study such cosmic phenomena in more depth. The composite image of the supernova remnant showcases a spherical bright nebula at its core, surrounded by a constellation of white, dotted stars, with rays extending outward like celestial fireworks from a central source.