Astronomers solve the mystery of Supernova 1181

Liputan6.com, Jakarta – Supernova is a massive explosion caused by a dying star. A supernova explosion marks the end of a star’s life.

This is because each star has a different age, therefore Bintang it can explode and lose a lot of power. When the pressure drops low enough in a massive star, gravity suddenly takes over and the star collapses in just a few seconds.

When this star collapses there will be an explosion called a supernova. This supernova explosion is so powerful that it produces new atomic nuclei.

One of the most powerful supernova explosions recorded in history occurred in 1181. Announced on the IFL Science page on Monday (19/08/2024), this phenomenon was the most powerful explosion known to scientists ever.

The object now known as SN 1181 is one of the supernovae recorded before the invention of the telescope. SN 1181 has been a puzzle for 843 years that left a trail of light for months in the night sky finally solved.

At that time, this amazing object looked as bright as Saturn in the constellation Cassiopeia. Chinese and Japanese history records him as a “guest star.”

To an astrologer The Chinese use this term to refer to temporary objects in the sky. A new study describes SN 1181 in detail for the first time by creating a computer model.

This research describes the results of the evolution of the supernova from immediately after the first eruption to the present day. The research team compared the model with archival telescope views of the nebula (a large cloud of gas and dust) that can be seen to this day.

This appearance is a remnant of this memorable event. The researchers said the analysis identified SN 1181 as a rare type of supernovae known as type Iax.

What is unique about supernova 1181 is that it was a thermonuclear explosion that may have been the result of not one, but two white dwarf stars. Both collided violently but did not explode completely, leaving behind a “zombie star.”

Astronomers found 20 to 30 type Iax supernova candidates. However, SN 1181 is the only one found in the Milky Way galaxy.

The study also found the discovery of a high-speed wind that began blowing from the surface of the zombie star about 20 years ago. Revealing the mechanisms behind these supernova events, experts say, could help astronomers better understand the life and death of stars and how stars contribute to planet formation.