Kepler’s Supernova Remnant Evolving Over 25 Years | Chandra X-ray View

Описание: A new video reveals the dramatic evolution of Kepler’s Supernova Remnant, created using data collected over more than 25 years by NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory.

First observed in 1604 and named after German astronomer Johannes Kepler, this supernova occurred when a white dwarf star exceeded a critical mass—either by pulling material from a companion star or merging with another white dwarf. This type of explosion is known as a Type Ia supernova, a crucial tool astronomers use to measure the expansion of the universe.

Supernova remnants are the glowing debris fields left behind after stellar explosions. They shine brightly in X-ray light because the material is heated to millions of degrees by the blast. Located about 17,000 light-years from Earth within our galaxy, Kepler’s Supernova Remnant allows Chandra to capture detailed images of how the debris changes over time.

This video combines X-ray observations from 2000, 2004, 2006, 2014, and 2025, making it the longest time-spanning video ever released by Chandra—made possible by the telescope’s extraordinary longevity.

“The plot of Kepler’s story is just now beginning to unfold,” said Jessye Gassel, a graduate student at George Mason University, who led the research. “It’s remarkable that we can watch as the remains of this shattered star crash into material already thrown out into space.” The findings were presented at the 247th meeting of the American Astronomical Society in Phoenix.

The video also reveals dramatic speed differences within the remnant. The fastest material is racing at 13.8 million miles per hour (about 2% the speed of light) toward the bottom of the image, while slower material near the top moves at around 4 million miles per hour. These differences show how the expanding debris interacts with regions of denser gas, offering new insights into the environment surrounding the explosion.

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