 | | | | |
| | | | | |
|
Media Centre Press ReleasesESA TelevisionLaunch Media CornerExhibitionsServices CalendarPublicationsFrequently asked questionsESA-sponsored ConferencesHelpSite CreditsPortal terms of useCommentsSubscribe
| | | | | | | | | XMM-Newton view of supernova SN 1987A | |
XMM-Newton’s anniversary view of supernova SN 1987A
23 February 2007
Twenty years after the first detection of SN 1987A, the nearest supernova ever detected since the invention of the telescope, XMM-Newton provided a fresh-new view of this object. The source keeps brightening - XMM-Newton confirms.
The supernova SN 1987A in the Large Magellanic Cloud is the nearest supernova detected since the invention of the telescope. Almost 20 years after its discovery on 23 February 1987, XMM-Newton observed the stellar remnant in X-rays on 17 January 2007. Continuously brightening since the first detection in X-rays by ROSAT in 1992, it now outshines all other X-ray sources in its immediate neighbourhood and it is more than ten times brighter as compared to the first-light observations of XMM-Newton in January 2000.
| | | Earlier XMM-Newton view of supernova SN 1987A |
SN 1987A provides the unique opportunity for detailed studies of the earliest stages of a supernova remnant.
Observations across the whole electromagnetic spectrum revealed a detailed picture of the circumstellar medium produced by the stellar wind from the massive pregenitor star during its 'supergiant' phases.
The X-rays we see mainly originate from the interaction of the supernova shock with this circumstellar medium. Their detailed analysis will gain further insights into the physics of the explosion and may reveal eventually the presence of a central compact object like a neutron star.
For more information
Frank Haberl , XMM-Newton's EPIC Principal Investigator
Email: fwh @ mpe.mpg.de
Norbert Schartel, ESA XMM-Newton Project Scientist
Email: norbert.schartel @ sciops.esa.int
| |
| | More about... XMM-Newton overviewRelated articles XMM-Newton reveals a magnetic surpriseFirst X-ray detection of a colliding-wind binary beyond the Milky WayUniverse contains more calcium than expectedX-ray evidence supports possible new class of supernovaBlack hole boldly goes where no black hole has gone beforeSupernova leaves behind mysterious objectXMM-Newton spots the greatest of great balls of fireXMM-Newton reveals the origin of elements in galaxy clustersXMM-Newton 'spare-time' provides impressive sky surveyXMM-Newton digs into the secrets of fossil galaxy clustersXMM-Newton reveals a tumbling neutron starCannibal stars like their food hot, XMM-Newton reveals‘Deep impact’ of pulsar around companion starRelated links Hubble - supernova's 20th anniversary
|
