This image of data from NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory and the European
Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope shows a part of the roughly
circular supernova remnant known as RCW 86. This remnant is the remains of
an exploded star, which may have been observed on Earth in 185 AD by
Chinese astronomers. By studying this remnant, a team of astronomers was
able to understand new details about the role of supernova remnants as the
Milky Way's super-efficient particle accelerators. The team shows that the
shock wave visible in this area is very efficient at accelerating particles
and the energy used in this process matches the number of cosmic rays
observed on Earth.
The VLT data (colored red in the composite) was used to measure the
temperature of the gas right behind the shock wave created by the stellar
explosion. Using X-ray images from Chandra (blue), taken three years
apart, the researchers were also able to determine the speed of the shock
wave to be between one and three percent of the speed of light. The
temperature found by these latest results is much lower than expected,
given the measured shock wave's velocity. The researchers conclude that
the missing energy goes into accelerating the cosmic rays.
Visual Description:
Part of the supernova remnant RCW 86 is shown in a beautiful X-ray and optical image. The image features a close-up view of a blue and red nebula with many pale gold stars dusted throughout the background. The bright blue structures are shaped like textured cloudy arcs across the field of view. The red wisps follow a similar path and shape but look like streaky atmospheric sprites. This image combines data from NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory and the Very Large Telescope to show a small curve of the roughly circular supernova remnant RCW 86. The optical data (colored red in the composite) was used to measure the temperature of the gas right behind the shock wave created by the stellar explosion. Using X-ray images from Chandra (blue), taken three years apart, the researchers were also able to determine the speed of the shock wave to be between one and three percent of the speed of light.
Fast Facts for RCW 86: |
Credit |
Optical: ESO/E. Helder; X-ray: NASA/CXC/Univ. of Utrecht/J.Vink et al. |
Release Date |
June 26, 2009 |
Scale |
Image is about 6 arcmin across |
Category |
Supernovas & Supernova Remnants |
Coordinates (J2000) |
RA | Dec |
Constellation |
Circinus |
Observation Date |
01 Jan 02
|
Observation Time |
26 hours |
Obs. ID |
1993
|
Instrument |
ACIS
|
Also Known As | G315.4-2.1 |
Color Code |
X-ray: Blue; Optical: red |
Distance Estimate |
About 8,200 light years
|
|