Supernovae mark the dramatic conclusion of stars exceeding 8-10 solar masses, supplying vital elements for life.
The collapsed cores may form neutron stars or black holes. Recently, the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) discovered a neutron star lurking in the wreckage of its stellar companion, concluding a celestial quest.
The NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope has begun the study of one of the most renowned supernovae, SN 1987A (Supernova 1987A).
Supernova 1987A: From Ghostly Neutrinos to the Enigmatic Remnants
Supernova 1987A stands as the remnants of a once massive star, with a mass ranging from 8 to 10 times that of the sun. Situated approximately 170,000 light-years away in the Large Magellanic Cloud, a dwarf galaxy neighboring the Milky Way, the supernova gained its name from its discovery 37 years ago in 1987. Initially, it showered Earth with ghostly neutrinos before becoming the brightest supernova visible in the night sky for nearly 400 years.
Approximately two hours before the initial visible-light sighting, three global observatories detected a brief burst of neutrinos. Correlating both types of observations linked them to the same supernova event, providing crucial evidence for understanding core-collapse supernovae. The prevailing theory anticipated the formation of a neutron star or a black hole in such supernovae, prompting astronomers to seek evidence for these compact objects within the expanding remnant material.
Such supernova events play a crucial role in seeding the cosmos with essential elements like carbon, oxygen, silicon, and iron. These elements serve as the fundamental building blocks for the formation of subsequent stars, planets, and even molecules integral to life.
These explosive events also give rise to compact stellar remnants, such as neutron stars or black holes. However, the specific nature of the remnants within Supernova 1987A remained a mystery for 37 years.
JWST Unravels Neutron Star Secrets in Supernova 1987A
The JWST enabled astronomers to identify a neutron star in the aftermath of Supernova 1987A, a significant advancement. Neutron stars, born from the depletion of nuclear fusion fuel in massive stars, result from subsequent supernova explosions. These stars are comprised of an incredibly dense neutron particle fluid, the densest matter in the universe.
While the neutron degeneracy pressure prevents total collapse, additional mass accumulation could potentially lead to the formation of a black hole.
Addressing previous uncertainties, the team amassed compelling evidence supporting the existence of a neutron star in Supernova 1987A. This breakthrough not only resolves a longstanding astronomical puzzle but also enriches our comprehension of the varied outcomes following massive stellar deaths.
The newly discovered neutron star eluded detection for 37 years, concealed by a dense veil of gas and dust ejected during the supernova's explosive demise.
The supernova's condensed dust, obstructing visible light, presented a challenge in detection. Leveraging the JWST's infrared capabilities, particularly the Mid-Infrared Instrument and Near-Infrared Spectrograph, scientists unveiled the neutron star through emissions from ionized argon and sulfur at the supernova's center. The ionization, attributed to radiation from the neutron star, indicated a luminosity approximately one-tenth that of the sun.
While the team confirmed the neutron star's birth, mysteries endure regarding its ionization's cause-spinning neutron star winds or intense emissions from its hot surface.
Future JWST NIRSpec observations could clarify, differentiating between a neutron star with a pulsar wind nebula or a "bare" one exposed to space. Ongoing research, detailed in Science, holds promise for uncovering Supernova 1987A's neutron star complexities.
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