Supernova Remnant E0102-72
Credit: X-ray - NASA / CXC / MIT / D.Dewey et al., NASA / CXC / SAO / J.DePasquale;
Optical - NASA / STScI
Posted on 09/05/2009 5:02:00 AM PDT by sig226
Explanation: The expanding debris cloud from the explosion of a massive star is captured in this multiwavelength composite, combining x-ray and optical images from the Chandra and Hubble telescopes. Identified as E0102-72, the supernova remnant lies about 190,000 light-years away in our neighboring galaxy, the Small Magellanic Cloud. A strong cosmic source of x-rays, E0102 was imaged by the Chandra X-ray Observatory shortly after its launch in 1999. In celebration of Chandra's 10th anniversary, this colorful view of E0102 and its environs was created, including additional Chandra data. An analysis of all the data indicates that the overall shape of E0102 is most likely a cylinder that is viewed end-on rather than a spherical bubble. The intriguing result implies that the massive star's explosion has produced a shape similar to what is seen in some planetary nebulae associated with lower mass stars. At the distance of the Small Magellanic Cloud, this field of view spans about 150 light-years.
I find that very interesting. What would cause a cylindrical rather than spherical expansion in a vacuum?
One hundred fifty light years across - that boggles my mind.
Unbelieveably beautiful picture, Sig. Thank you for this one!
A hot-cross bun. Honestly, these Easter images are starting earlier and earlier these days.
I'm no physicist, but if it's moving through space exploding matter in all directions, wouldn't that form a cylinder?
Not really. Think about what a cylinder is.
Here's a pretty good comparison.
The cylinder shape suggests that the gasses are expanding faster at the ends than the middle. In a vacuum you would expect all the gasses to be expanding at the same rate creating a sphere.
“An analysis of all the data indicates that the overall shape of E0102 is most likely a cylinder that is viewed end-on rather than a spherical bubble.”
What’s the difference between a tube and a Dutchman with an absurd sense of humor?
WOW!
Nope. A cone.
More like a sonic boom:
Okay, thank you. So, what’s causing the cylinder? Can you explain it in words of one syllable for me? Sort of?
Doesn’t a sonic boom need air to move and boom in?
[scratches puddin’ head]
I have absolutely no idea.
Can you explain it in words of one syllable for me?
Nope.
Doesn’t a sonic boom need air to move and boom in?
Yes.
It's a cone because it takes time for the shock wave to move away from the source, and while the shock wave is expanding, the source is moving even faster.
For the astronomical phenomenon, substitute expanding ball of gas for shock wave:
It's a cone because it takes time for the expanding ball of gas to move away from the source, and while the expanding ball of gas is expanding, the source is moving even faster.
Does that help?
You're honest! But I knew that.
Nope.
LOL!
Yes.
I was right about one thing at least.
Does that help?
Thank you. It helps, and I understand, but the exploding star is forming a cylinder -- the Mystery Cylinder, I guess.
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