Supernova 1987A: Hubble Space Telescope Image Shows Evidence of Neutron Star – NASA Announcement

1 of 2 Hubble Space Telescope image shows Supernova 1987A at the center of the Large Magellanic Cloud. — Photo: NASA/ESA/R.KIRSHNER ET AL Image from the Hubble Space Telescope shows Supernova 1987A at the center of the Large Magellanic Cloud. — Photo: NASA/ESA/R.KIRSHNER ET AL

Scientists announced on Thursday (22) that the compacted remains of the supernova 1987Aan extremely powerful stellar explosion known in astronomy, may be preserving a neutron star, a superdense celestial body.

The finding is unprecedented, the result of observations from the James Webb super telescope and quite important for the study of stellar evolution.

The discovery represents the first time that the effects of high-energy emission from the likely young neutron star were directly detected (understand below).

“In our article we discuss different possibilities, explaining that only a few scenarios are likely, and all of these involve a newborn neutron star”, explains Claes Fransson, lead author of the study reporting the discovery, published in the scientific journal “Science”.

“With Webb, we now find direct evidence of emission triggered by the newborn compact object, most likely a neutron star.”

Black hole vs neutron star

Therefore, scientists have long speculated that the collapsed core of this supernova could have formed a neutron star or one Black Hole, but this definitive proof was very difficult to confirm – until these recent observations by Webb.

In 1987, observatories here on Earth detected a 10-second burst of tiny particles called neutrinos, hours before SN 1987A was observed in visible light. To scientists, this suggested the clear formation of one of these compact objects. The mystery would be knowing which one.

However, despite there being previous indications of the existence of a neutron star, scientists did not have direct evidence of the presence of this star.

“[Até então] we had no convincing signature of such a newborn object in any supernova explosion,” Fransson added.

2 of 2 Images captured by Webb show intense signals in the center of the supernova remnant (top and bottom). These signals suggest the presence of a source of high-energy radiation, likely a neutron star. — Photo: NASA/ESA/CSA/STScI Images captured by Webb show intense signals in the center of the supernova remnant (in the upper and lower corner). These signals suggest the presence of a source of high-energy radiation, likely a neutron star. — Photo: NASA/ESA/CSA/STScI

Now, because of Webb, we have yet another strong indication that this theory may be correct.

Recent supertelescope observations have shown signs of high-energy emission, especially from ionized argoncoming from the center of the supernova remnant SN 1987A (see image above).

These signals strongly suggest the presence of a source of high-energy radiation, making it very likely that the object is indeed a neutron star.

A remarkable discovery that provides the first direct evidence of the existence of a neutron star following a recent supernova such as SN 1987A.

According to a joint statement from NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Canadian Space Agency (CSA), more observations of SN 1987A are planned for this year, both with Webb and with ground-based telescopes.

The research team hopes that continued studies will provide more clarity about what is happening at the center of this supernova remnant.

These observations should drive the development of more detailed models, allowing astronomers to better understand not only SN 1987A, but also all core-collapse supernovae, which result from a violent explosion.

Understand in the video below why the James Webb is in fact a super telescope.

Compare photos of the James Webb super telescope with its predecessor

2024-02-23 03:01:12
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