Discover the awe-inspiring resonance from an explosion dating back 800 years

In the year 1181, a phenomenon of celestial brilliance took over the night sky, captivating the ancient observers for an impressive 185 days. This stunning event was none other than a rare supernova explosion, an occurrence that has puzzled scientists for centuries. Records from that time reveal that this supernova appeared as a radiant ‘star’ in the constellation Cassiopeia, shining as brightly as Saturn. Despite its historical significance, unraveling the mystery behind this cosmic event has been a challenging task for researchers.

Throughout history, scientists have extensively searched for remnants of the supernova explosion that graced the heavens in 1181. Initially, they believed that the nebula surrounding the pulsar, known as 3C 58, could be related to this awe-inspiring event. However, further investigations indicated that the pulsar predates the supernova by a considerable margin, ruling out its connection.

Over the past decade, another potential candidate has emerged – a circular nebula named Pa 30, residing in the constellation Cassiopeia. Combining images from various telescopes, astrophysicists have constructed a composite image of this celestial wonder. The resulting picture provides a breathtaking view of the remnant of the supernova, offering us a glimpse into the very object that captivated our ancestors over eight centuries ago.

The extensive research on the supernova remnant includes X-ray observations conducted by the European Space Agency’s XMM-Newton and NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory. These observations have shed light on the full scope of the nebula, while also pinpointing its central source. Astonishingly, the nebula appears faint in optical light but radiates brilliantly in infrared light, captured by NASA’s Wide-field Infrared Space Explorer. Moreover, astronomers have discovered that the radial structure visible in the composite image comprises heated sulphur emitting visible light, as observed through ground-based telescopes like the Hiltner 2.4 m telescope at the MDM Observatory in Arizona, USA. The background stars, captured by Pan-STARRS in Hawaii, USA, add to the enchanting scene.

Deeper studies on the composition of different parts of the remnant have led scientists to believe that it originated from a thermonuclear explosion, specifically a sub-luminous Type Iax supernova. These events occur when two white dwarf stars merge, producing a cataclysmic release of energy. Typically, such eruptions leave no remnant behind. Nevertheless, incomplete explosions can result in the formation of a peculiar type of star dubbed a ‘zombie’ star. This particular system hosts an incredibly hot star—a massive white dwarf—one of the hottest known in the Milky Way, boasting temperatures of around 200,000 degrees Celsius. Furthermore, this star generates a fast stellar wind clocking speeds up to 16,000 kilometers per hour. The combination of this scorching hot star and the nebula it resides in presents an exceptional opportunity for studying these rare phenomena.

The mesmerizing composite image of supernova 1181’s remnant evokes a sense of astonishment and wonder. As we examine those rays radiating from the central star, resembling fireworks showcasing their splendor, we are reminded of the sheer magnificence of cosmic events. Although centuries have passed since the supernova illuminated the skies and captivated our ancestors, its legacy lives on through scientific endeavors aiming to unravel its secrets. This enigmatic celestial spectacle serves as a testament to the breathtaking beauty and endless mysteries that lie within our vast universe.