The James Webb space telescope, owned by NASA, has utilized its NIRCAM tool (near infrared camera) to uncover new details about Supernova 1987a. By capturing images in the infrared wavelengths, the telescope has provided valuable insights into the evolution of supernovae over time.
Scientists have examined the obtained images and identified significant structures. At the center of the image, the material expelled from the supernova has formed a shape resembling a keyhole. Surrounding it is a bright equatorial ring composed of material expelled from tens of thousands of years prior to the supernova’s explosion.
While these structures have previously been observed by other NASA telescopes, such as Hubble and Spitzer, the James Webb telescope’s unique sensitivity and spatial resolution have allowed for the detection of a new feature within the supernova remnants – small crescent structures. It is believed that these structures are part of the outer layers of gas expelled during the star’s explosion.
Additionally, the high-quality images captured by the James Webb telescope deserve attention. While the now non-operational Spitzer telescope had been observing this supernova in the infrared range throughout its existence, it was unable to achieve the same level of clarity and detail as the James Webb telescope.
Despite several decades of research since the initial discovery of Supernova 1987a, certain mysteries, particularly regarding the associated neutron stars, remain unsolved. The James Webb telescope will continue its observations using NIRSPEC and MIRI tools, offering astronomers the opportunity to gather new data and deepen their understanding of the recently identified structures.
The James Webb space telescope stands as the largest space science observatory in the world. It unravels the secrets of our solar system, explores distant worlds orbiting other stars, and probes the enigmatic structures and origins of our Universe, shedding light on our place within it. This international program is led by NASA in collaboration with partners such as the European Space Agency (ESA) and the Canadian Space Agency.