Heart of a blown up star in 3D

Heart of a blown up star in 3D

Residual supernova 1987A observed in ALMA. The violet region is the emission of SiO molecules, the yellow one is CO molecules, the blue ring is Hubble information

Supernovae are the violent end to the short but bright life of massive stars. This is one of the most remarkable cosmic events. Although this is death, new elements are born as a result.

In February 1987, astronomers celebrated a similar event in the Large Magellan Cloud, some 160,000 light-years distant.

Observations of the supernova remnant were conducted for the next 30 years, thanks to which we managed to obtain many details about the star death and composition. It turned out that during the explosion, carbon, oxygen and nitrogen enter space and form new molecules and dust.

Not so long ago, researchers used ALMA to look into the center of supernova SN 1987A. The obtained data were used to form a 3D model of the residue. Scientists have also found many molecules. For the first time it turned out to consider the process of formation of cold star dust, which will help to understand the creation of building planetary blocks.

Star death gives a new beginning

Prior to the study of a specific supernova, there was not much information about the effect of such objects on the neighborhood. It was clear only that this is an impressive event. When the stars run out of fuel, they collapse into the core. As a result, we get a huge explosion, releasing the material into space.

However, for a galaxy, supernovae play an important role. Researchers believe that the appearance of the galactic species is formed precisely because of such explosions. And this is despite the fact that only up to 10% of stars complete their existence in the form of a supernova.

Supernovae are common in the universe and occur about once every 50 years. This allows you to study them before cooling, when new molecules begin to form. The observed object is not located in our galaxy, but it is still close and reveals the details.

Three-dimensional image from ALMA

For decades 1987A, radio, optical and even X-ray observatories were monitored. But because of the dust flap it was difficult to look into the core. ALMA millimeter waves solved this problem. The new image shows the formation of SiO and CO. Information ALMA added the missing puzzles, making it possible to create a full-fledged picture in high resolution.

ALMA New Information

Observations have confirmed the presence of a huge amount of dust. In addition to the previously found carbon monoxide and silica, the team also found a formyl cation (HCO +) and sulfur monoxide (SO).

Such molecules have never been noticed in the supernova residue. Of particular interest is HCO +, since its creation requires powerful mixing. Most of the silicon has already moved to dust grains. CO molecules contain more than 10% carbon.

Future research

New data discovered a lot of interesting things. But it is not yet clear whether there are still undiscovered molecules? How will the balance structure change over time? How rich are the molecules found? ALMA will continue research. It is believed that the predecessor star was a pulsar or a neutron star. But the evidence has not yet been found.

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