Unraveling the Story of Pa 30: A Supernova’s Remarkable Legacy

Science

A study has brought attention to the nebula known as Pa 30. This Nebula was formed after a supernova that was seen from Earth in 1181. At the center of this nebula is a white dwarf, often referred to as a “zombie star,” which continues to shine with impressive heat and light long after its explosive birth.

The Historical Context of the Supernova

In August of 1181, observers in East Asia spotted a bright object near the constellation Cassiopeia. This “guest star” remained visible for about six months, capturing the interest of stargazers. Recent findings have confirmed that this event was a supernova, designated as SN 1181, adding a rich layer to our understanding of historical astronomical records.

What Makes the Zombie Star Stand Out

The white dwarf at the heart of Pa 30. Rather than being completely destroyed in the supernova, this star has survived, burning at a temperature of around 360,000 degrees Fahrenheit (200,000 degrees Celsius). This extreme heat makes it one of the hottest stars known to science, sparking curiosity about how it has managed to survive such intense conditions.

Advanced Mapping Techniques Reveal New Insights

Researchers at the Keck Observatory in Hawaii have used innovative mapping techniques to create a detailed animated visualisation of the nebula. This new imagery shows long, petal-like structures extending from the star, which look similar to the petals of a dandelion. The team discovered that the nebula is expanding at a remarkable speed of about 2.2 million miles per hour (3.5 million kilometers per hour), maintaining this rapid pace since the initial explosion.

The Nebula’s Unique Shape

One of the notable features of Pa 30 is its irregular shape. Unlike many other remnants, this nebula has a distinct, asymmetrical structure. Ilaria Caiazzo, a co-author of the study, noted that while this research sheds light on the supernova observed centuries ago, it also raises new questions for astronomers to investigate.

For the latest tech news and reviews, follow Gadgets 360 on X, Facebook, WhatsApp, Threads and Google News. For the latest videos on gadgets and tech, subscribe to our YouTube channel. If you want to know everything about top influencers, follow our in-house Who’sThat360 on Instagram and YouTube.


Lounge Pass App Scam Targeting Indian Travellers Uncovered; Reportedly Swindled Rs. 9 Lakhs in One Month



Amazon Great Indian Festival Diwali Special 2024 Sale: Best Deals on Home Appliances

Articles You May Like

Gunman tries to assassinate Indian politician at holy temple
Jaguar rebrand is a great success, but Elon’s $55 billion payday is a huge fail
Candy-backed Metals Exploration swoops on Condor Gold
Rebels ‘take control’ of airport as thousands of fighters seize most of Syria’s second-biggest city
China Is Reportedly Trying to Protect Its Potatoes From Rising Temperatures and Climate Change Impact