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Remnant of Supernova 1987A
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Remnant of Supernova 1987A
Remnant of Supernova 1987A. Photographed by the Hubble Space Telescope, Wide Field Planetary Camera 2. Supernovae are massive stellar explosions which throw the outer layers of a star off into space. The quantity of energy released by a supernova can be equivalent to the energy output of the Sun over its entire lifetime. They briefly become what appears to observers as a bright new star, hence the name. Supernova 1987A was first observed within hours of exploding and offered astronomers their first opportunity to test theories of supernova formation against observational evidence. It occurred in the Large Magellanic Cloud, a dwarf galaxy outside the Milky Way, and was caused by the explosion of a blue supergiant star some 20 times the mass of the Sun
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Media ID 14863814
© NASA/Oxford Science Archive / Heritage-Images
Distant Energy Explosion Hubble Space Telescope Nasa Oxford Science Archive Ring Space Star Telescope Supernova
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This print showcases the mesmerizing Remnant of Supernova 1987A, captured by the Hubble Space Telescope's Wide Field Planetary Camera 2. The image depicts a stunning display of colors and intricate details that highlight the remnants left behind after a massive stellar explosion. Supernovae are extraordinary events where a star violently sheds its outer layers into space, releasing an immense amount of energy equivalent to the Sun's lifetime output. These explosions briefly transform stars into brilliant celestial bodies, earning them their name. The photograph offers astronomers invaluable evidence to test theories on supernova formation. It was taken shortly after Supernova 1987A erupted, providing scientists with an unprecedented opportunity to study this phenomenon in real-time. This particular supernova occurred in the Large Magellanic Cloud, a dwarf galaxy located outside our Milky Way. The explosion originated from a blue supergiant star approximately twenty times more massive than our Sun. Its cataclysmic demise created an awe-inspiring ring-like structure visible within the image. As we gaze upon this remarkable print, we are reminded of both the beauty and power that exists beyond our planet's boundaries. It serves as a testament to humanity's relentless pursuit of knowledge and understanding about distant cosmic phenomena like supernovae – mysteries waiting to be unraveled through scientific exploration and observation conducted by esteemed institutions such as NASA and Oxford Science Archive.
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