Double Supernova Unveils Extraordinary Celestial Structure
Image credit: X-ray: NASA/CXC/Penn State Univ./L. Townsley et al.; Optical: NASA/STScI/HST; Infrared: NASA/JPL/CalTech/SST; Image Processing: NASA/CXC/SAO/J. Schmidt, N. Wolk, K. Arcand
An enigmatic nebula named Tarantula in the neighboring galaxy has been a cosmic theater of stellar births and deaths for millions of years. While the closest supernova in the last 50 years, Supernova 1987A, originated from its outskirts, astronomers are now focusing on another intriguing supernova remnant within the nebula: 30 Doradus B.
Pulsars, Neutron Stars, and Cosmic Insights
Astronomers focused their study on the pulsar PSR J0537-6910, a type of neutron star emitting jets of material at regular intervals. As energetic objects release light across various wavelengths, Pulsars offer valuable insights into supernova remnants.
By examining the pulsar’s properties, researchers estimated that the supernova event occurred approximately 5,000 years ago.
Chandra Telescope’s X-Ray Gaze
Utilizing NASA’s Chandra telescope, astronomers traced the stream of energetic particles from the pulsar, creating a pulsar wind nebula. Additionally, a halo of X-rays, a common feature in supernovae, was observed around the pulsar region.
However, the colossal size of this halo, extending over 130 light-years, raised questions about its formation within the last 5,000 years.
Unraveling the Mystery: Multiple Supernovae
Researchers propose the occurrence of a previous supernova within the vicinity, predating the estimated 5,000-year timeline. The structures observed in the X-ray halo indicate the likelihood of at least two supernova events.
The faint diffuse X-ray halo hints at a sequence of supernovae over a cosmically recent timeframe. The star-forming region around 30 Doradus B has continuously produced stars for 8 to 10 million years.
The Unyielding Star Factory: Tarantula Nebula
Tarantula Nebula is a dynamic star-making factory in the Large Magellanic Cloud, 160,000 light-years away. Its brilliance surpasses many stars in our galaxy, and if placed at the distance of the Orion Nebula, it would cast visible shadows, provided light pollution conditions permit.
As researchers delve into the complexities of the Tarantula Nebula, the continuous interplay of stellar phenomena unveils captivating secrets about the cosmic history of this remarkable celestial entity.
Read the original on The Astronomical Journal.
Read more: Evolution’s Surprising Order: Unveiling Less Random Processes.
