Scientists at Webb Space Telescope make groundbreaking discovery of neutron star located within supernova remnant

Using data collected by the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), an international team of astronomers has discovered evidence of a neutron star in the remnants of a recent supernova. This groundbreaking finding provides valuable insights into the evolution of massive stars and the formation of compact objects in the universe.

The supernova, known as SN 1987A, was first observed on February 24, 1987, and occurred approximately 160,000 light-years away from Earth in the Large Magellanic Cloud. It was the most recent supernova in the Local Group of galaxies and the first one visible to the naked eye since Kepler’s Supernova in 1604.

During the final stages of a large star’s life, its core can no longer resist the gravitational forces acting upon it, causing it to collapse and leading to a powerful explosion called a supernova. Depending on the size of the core, the aftermath of this cataclysmic event can result in the formation of either a neutron star or a black hole.

Prior to the explosion of SN 1987A, scientists detected a burst of subatomic particles known as neutrinos. This provided some indication that a compact object, such as a neutron star or a black hole, was left behind, but further evidence was required for conclusive confirmation. The recent study utilizing the JWST has provided the first direct evidence of the presence of a neutron star in the remnants of the supernova.

On July 16, 2022, shortly after initiating regular science observations, the JWST observed the supernova remnant. Using its Near-Infrared Spectrograph (NIRSpec) and Mid-Infrared Instrument (MIRI), the telescope captured an image of the object and obtained a spectrum for each pixel at once. This spectrum provides essential information about the intensities of different frequencies of light emitted by various parts of the object, enabling astronomers to determine its chemical composition.

Upon analyzing the data, the researchers discovered ionized argon at the site of SN 1987A, a strong indication of the presence of a newborn neutron star. The ionization of argon atoms occurs when they lose some of their electrons. To determine the nature of the compact object responsible for this ionization, the team explored different possibilities and developed models that matched the JWST’s observations.

One potential explanation is that the argon atoms were ionized by ultraviolet and X-ray radiation emitted by a cooling neutron star. In this scenario, the surface temperature of the neutron star would exceed one million Kelvin, even 35 years after the supernova explosion. Another possibility is that ionization occurred due to radiation emitted by a pulsar wind nebula formed by a rapidly spinning neutron star, or pulsar, interacting with charged particles from the surrounding dust cloud. Similar neutron stars have been found in other supernova remnants.

While limitations in the model prevent astronomers from definitively determining which scenario is more likely, both explanations require the presence of a neutron star. This finding marks a significant milestone in unraveling the mysteries surrounding SN 1987A and provides crucial insights into the composition and evolution of supernovae. Supernovae are vital sources of chemical elements necessary for life, making accurate models of these events essential.

Given the unique proximity and recent formation of the neutron star in SN 1987A, scientists anticipate that continued observation will yield further valuable information about its properties and behavior. As the material surrounding the neutron star expands, more data will become available, allowing for a deeper understanding of its formation and contribution to the chemical enrichment of the universe.

The research team’s findings were published in the journal Science on February 22, 2024. This discovery represents a significant step forward in our understanding of supernovae and their aftermath, shedding light on the complex processes that shape the universe we inhabit. The James Webb Space Telescope has proven to be an invaluable tool in uncovering the secrets of the cosmos, and future observations promise even more exciting discoveries that will revolutionize our understanding of the universe.