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Rings around supernova remnant SN 1987a
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Rings around supernova remnant SN 1987a
Unusual ring structure around SN1987A. False- colour optical image of the supernova remnant (SNR) of SN1987A, made by the Hubble Space Telescope. The SNR is in the centre of the frame, surrounded by a normal bright ring of ejected material. The strange larger rings are thought to lie in front of and behind the plane of the smaller ring. It is possible that these larger rings lie on an hour-glass shaped bubble of gas being blown away from the SNR (seen in other stars), but that the gas is being illuminated by a second source of radiation, perhaps a previously unknown binary companion to the SNR
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Cosmology Hst Image Rings Star Death Stellar Supernova Remnant
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This image captured by the Hubble Space Telescope unveils the mesmerizing rings encircling supernova remnant SN 1987a. At first glance, one is immediately drawn to the strikingly vibrant ring of ejected material surrounding the central supernova remnant. However, it is the peculiar larger rings that truly captivate our imagination. Scientists believe that these enigmatic larger rings exist both in front of and behind the plane of the smaller ring. It is postulated that they may be situated on an hour-glass shaped bubble of gas being expelled from the supernova remnant itself, a phenomenon observed in other stars. What makes this discovery even more intriguing is that these larger rings are illuminated not only by their own radiation but also by an additional source, possibly a previously unknown binary companion to SNR. The false-color optical representation enhances our ability to appreciate this celestial spectacle, showcasing its ethereal beauty and complexity. This extraordinary photograph serves as a testament to humanity's relentless pursuit of knowledge about our vast universe. As we continue to unravel the mysteries hidden within distant galaxies and stellar remnants like SN 1987a, images such as this remind us of how much there still remains for us to discover beyond Earth's boundaries. Through scientific exploration and technological advancements like those provided by Hubble, we gain invaluable insights into cosmic phenomena while simultaneously igniting our curiosity about what lies beyond our reach.
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