NASA's James Webb Space Telescope Unveils New Structures of an Iconic Supernova

NASA's James Webb Space Telescope has explored one of the most celebrated supernovae, SN 1987A (Supernova 1987A). Situated 168,000 light-years away in the Large Magellanic Cloud, SN 1987A has captivated scientists for nearly four decades.

Since its discovery in February 1987, it has been subjected to extensive observations across a broad spectrum, from gamma rays to radio waves. New observations by Webb's NIRCam (Near-Infrared Camera) are shedding light on the development of this supernova and its remnant.

A Keyhole in SN 1987A

These observations reveal a central structure resembling a keyhole, teeming with clumps of gas and dust ejected during the supernova explosion. The density of this dust is so high that even Webb's near-infrared detection cannot penetrate it, resulting in the formation of the dark "hole" within the keyhole.

Surrounding the central keyhole is a brilliantly illuminated equatorial ring, creating a belt that links two faint arms resembling an hourglass in the outer regions.

The equatorial ring comprises materials ejected tens of thousands of years before the supernova's explosive event. Within this ring, conspicuous hotspots have emerged, triggered by the collision of the supernova's shockwave with the ring.

Furthermore, spots have been identified beyond the ring's confines, accompanied by diffused emissions. These areas indicate where the supernova's shockwaves have encountered external matter.

While multiple observatories, including NASA's Hubble and Spitzer Space Telescopes and the Chandra X-ray Observatory, have previously captured these formations to some degree, the James Webb Space Telescope's unparalleled sensitivity and spatial resolution have brought to light a novel aspect within this supernova remnant - minute crescent-like structures.

SN 1987A's Crescents

According to NASA, these crescents are believed to constitute the outer layers of gas expelled during the supernova's detonation. Their radiance hints at the possibility of limb brightening, an optical phenomenon stemming from our observational perspective. It can create the illusion of greater substance within these crescents than may exist.

NASA noted that although the now-retired Spitzer telescope observed this supernova in infrared throughout its existence, providing crucial data on how its emissions evolved, it never attained the same precision and intricacy as the Webb.

Despite decades of investigation since the supernova's initial identification, numerous enigmas persist, especially regarding the anticipated formation of a neutron star following the explosion.

Like Spitzer, Webb will persist in its observations of the supernova, utilizing its NIRSpec (Near-Infrared Spectrograph) and MIRI (Mid-Infrared Instrument) instruments to gather fresh high-fidelity infrared data.

This data could yield novel insights into the recently uncovered crescent structures. Webb will also continue its collaborative efforts with other observatories, including Hubble and Chandra, to deepen its comprehension of this iconic supernova's historical and future aspects.