A strange and ancient supernova remnant located about 6,500 light years from Earth is puzzling scientists. The remnant, known as PA30, surrounds a zombie star wrapped in sulfur filaments spanning three light-years. Skywatchers first documented the eruption in 1181, but its sharp filaments and structure have only recently been studied in detail. The unusual formation and preservation of these filaments has remained unexplained for centuries, prompting astronomers to investigate their origin and dynamics.
New observations of the PA 30 nebula
The 3-D structure and motion of the nebula’s filaments were mapped using observations from the WM Keck Observatory in Hawaii, according to a study published in the Astrophysical Journal Letters. The research, led by astronomer Tim Cunningham of the Harvard & Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, revealed a unique three-layered structure. A central star is surrounded by a gap of one to two light years, followed by a spherical dust shell. There are cryptic filaments extending outward from this shell, which give the nebula its spiky appearance.
As informed By Science News Explorers The explosion, believed to be a Type 1a supernova, is usually associated with the complete destruction of a white dwarf star. In this instance, a portion of the star survived, raising further questions about the nature of the event.
Principles on the formation of filaments
The exact mechanism behind the formation of filaments has not yet been determined. It was suggested by scientists that a shock wave from the explosion might have interacted with surrounding interstellar material, bouncing back and shaping the spikes. The uniformity and persistence of these fibers over hundreds of years adds to the mystery.
Future studies will focus on gathering more data to test these theories and elucidate the processes that led to the formation and stability of this unique nebula structure. Astronomers continue to investigate PA 30 in hopes of learning more about its unique characteristics.
