Scientists have discovered evidence of a neutron star in the debris field of Supernova 1987A, according to a new paper published in the journal Science. The explosion of Supernova 1987A, which occurred in the dwarf galaxy known as the Large Magellanic Cloud, was the brightest exploding star seen in the past 400 years. The light from the supernova traveled for 160,000 years before reaching Earth and captivating astronomers in 1987. Since then, scientists have been intrigued by what remained after the explosion: a black hole or a neutron star.
The recent observations made by the James Webb Space Telescope suggest that there are compelling signs of a neutron star hiding in the debris field of Supernova 1987A. Neutron stars have been identified before, but if this report is accurate, it would be the youngest and freshest neutron star ever seen. It is still cooling down, making it a rare and exotic object for astrophysicists to study.
Claes Fransson, an astronomer at Stockholm University and lead author of the new report, expressed his excitement about witnessing the birth of a neutron star. He recalled the day he first heard about Supernova 1987A and saw it with his own eyes while standing atop Mount Kinabalu in Borneo. Seeing the supernova live was a different experience compared to just viewing images of it.
Supernova 1987A has been extensively studied over the years and is considered a natural laboratory for high-energy physics. The explosion provides valuable information about the laws of nature in extreme environments that cannot be replicated in terrestrial laboratories. The discovery of a neutron star in Supernova 1987A is particularly significant for nuclear physics and particle physics.
Astronomers have been documenting supernovae for centuries, but Supernova 1987A stands out due to its unique characteristics. Unlike previous supernovae, Supernova 1987A happened to a star that had already appeared in a star catalog. This allowed scientists to gain an unprecedented view of what happens before, during, and after the death of a giant star. The explosion of the blue supergiant star released a burst of neutrinos, which reached Earth before the visible signs of the explosion. This observation aligned with theoretical models suggesting that the supernova resulted from the collapse of the core of a giant star.
Neutrinos are subatomic particles emitted during the formation of a neutron star. Gravity plays a crucial role in compressing matter into an ultradense core that cannot compress further. As matter continues to fall towards the center of the star, extreme conditions are reached, resulting in a shock wave that causes the rest of the star to explode, creating a debris field.
The mass of the original star influences what remains after the explosion. In the case of Supernova 1987A, the astrophysicists estimate that the star was undersized for the creation of a black hole and more likely left behind a neutron star. The recent report utilized two instruments on the Webb telescope to analyze different wavelengths of infrared light emitted by the debris field. The authors of the report argue that only X-ray and ultraviolet radiation from a neutron star can explain the excitation of elements such as argon and sulfur in the debris field.
Although the report does not claim a direct detection of the neutron star, it represents a significant advancement in understanding Supernova 1987A. The offset position of the X-ray emissions suggests that the explosion was not perfectly spherical and gave the neutron star a “kick,” propelling it through space at high speeds. This finding is particularly intriguing as it would be the first time astronomers have observed a neutron star being born with a kick.
Stanford Woosley, an astrophysicist at the University of California at Santa Cruz, commended the new research and highlighted the compelling evidence for the presence of a neutron star. While the case is not yet closed, astronomers are ready to declare a victory in their quest to understand the aftermath of Supernova 1987A. However, definitive proof of the neutron star’s existence remains challenging since it cannot be directly observed.
The discovery of a neutron star in the debris field of Supernova 1987A opens up new avenues for studying these exotic objects and provides valuable insights into the physics of extreme environments. As scientists continue to unravel the mysteries of the universe, Supernova 1987A will undoubtedly remain a significant milestone in our understanding of exploding stars and their remnants.
