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Supernova SN1987A in the Large Magellanic Cloud
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Supernova SN1987A in the Large Magellanic Cloud
Glittering stars and wisps of gas create a breathtaking backdrop for the self-destruction of a massive star, called supernova 1987A, in the Large Magellanic Cloud, a nearby galaxy. Astronomers in the Southern hemisphere witnessed the brilliant explosion of this star on Feb. 23, 1987. Shown in this NASA Hubble Space Telescope image, the supernova remnant, surrounded by inner and outer rings of material, is set in a forest of ethereal, diffuse clouds of gas. This three-color image is composed of several pictures of the supernova and its neighboring region taken with the Wide Field and Planetary Camera 2 in Sept. 1994, Feb. 1996 and July 1997. The many bright blue stars nearby the supernova are massive stars, each more than six times heftier than our Sun. They are members of the same generation of stars as the star that went supernova about 12 million years ago. The presence of bright gas clouds is another sign of the youth of this region, which still appears to be a fertile breeding ground for new stars. In a few years the supernovas fast moving material will sweep the inner ring with full force, heating and exciting its gas, and will produce a new series of cosmic fireworks that will offer a striking view for more than a decade
Space Image feature a selection of NASA's incredible imagery
Media ID 635217
© NASA
Hubble Space Telescope Wfpc Large Magellanic Cloud Supernova
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This print showcases the awe-inspiring beauty of Supernova SN1987A in the Large Magellanic Cloud. Against a backdrop of glittering stars and wisps of gas, this massive star's self-destruction unfolds in a mesmerizing display. Astronomers fortunate enough to witness this brilliant explosion on February 23,1987, were left astounded. The image captured by NASA's Hubble Space Telescope reveals the supernova remnant surrounded by inner and outer rings of material. It is set amidst a celestial forest composed of ethereal, diffuse clouds of gas. The composite three-color image combines pictures taken with the Wide Field and Planetary Camera 2 between September 1994 and July 1997. Notably, numerous bright blue stars can be seen nearby the supernova. These massive stars surpass our Sun's weight sixfold and belong to the same stellar generation as their explosive neighbor from approximately 12 million years ago. The presence of vibrant gas clouds further emphasizes the youthful nature of this region—a fertile breeding ground for new stars. In just a few years' time, the fast-moving material expelled by the supernova will collide forcefully with its inner ring, igniting its gases and creating another series of cosmic fireworks that promise an extraordinary spectacle for over a decade to come. This photograph encapsulates both the magnificence and transience inherent in our vast universe—truly a testament to its boundless wonders beyond human comprehension.
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