Astrophotography

Dazzling supernova 1987A

Tuesday, October 29, 2024

NASA, ESA, R. Kirshner (Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics and Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation), and M. Mutchler and R. Avila (STScI) released a stunning image of a dazzling supernova 1987A, discovered on February 23, 1987. This remarkable event, located in the Large Magellanic Cloud, has provided invaluable insights into stellar evolution.

NASA, the European Space Agency (ESA), R. Kirshner from the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics and the Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation, as well as M. Mutchler and R. Avila from the Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI), announced the release of an image showcasing Supernova 1987A. Released on February 24, 2017, the image depicts Supernova 1987A at the center, surrounded by striking red clouds of gas and dust within the Large Magellanic Cloud.

Dazzling supernova 1987A

First discovered on February 23, 1987, this supernova radiated with the brilliance equivalent to 100 million Suns. Since its initial observation, SN 1987A has captivated astronomers with its extraordinary light show. Located in the nearby Large Magellanic Cloud, it represents the closest supernova explosion observed in centuries and provides an unparalleled opportunity for astronomers to investigate the phases before, during, and after the death of a star.

Image credit: NASA, ESA, R. Kirshner (Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics and Gordon and Betty Moore Foundation), M. Mutchler, and R. Avila (STScI).