Supernova Remnant G530.1-0.3
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This image is a new image from the Chandra X-ray observatory. Featured in the image is supernova remnant G350.1-0.3 which is located nearly 15,000 light years from the Earth. Image Credit: X-ray: NASA/CXC/SAO/I. Lovchinsky et al; IR: NASA/JPL-Caltech
Over the past twelve years, NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory has studied many supernova remnants sprinkled across the galaxy. Shown above is supernova remnant G530.1-0.3, the latest example of work being done using Chandra.
Recent studies suggest that a dense object may lie at the center of G350.1+0.3, and that the object is most likely a neutron star – the dense core of the original star that exploded to create the supernova remnant. What makes this particular supernova interesting is that the position of the neutron star appears to be offset from the center of X-ray emissions. If the supernova explosion occurred near the center of the X-ray emission then the neutron star must have received a powerful kick in the supernova explosion.
Based on current findings, G350.1+0.3 is estimated as only 600 – 1,200 years old. If the age estimates are correct, this means the central neutron star has been moving at nearly five million kilometers per hour since the supernova explosion. One other unusual aspect of G350.1-0.3 is its shape. Generally supernova remnants are circular, but as shown in the above image G350.1-0.3 is very asymmetrical. Astronomers theorize that the unusual shape of G350.1+0.3 is due to a stellar debris field expanding into a nearby cloud of cold molecular gas.
While the age of G350.1+0.3 puts it in the same age range as the supernova that formed the famous Crab and SN 1006 supernova remnants, it’s unlikely the supernova was visible from Earth, due to obscuring gas and dust that lies along our line of sight to the remnant.
Source:NASA Image of the Day Gallery
Ray Sanders is a Sci-Fi geek, astronomer and blogger. Currently researching variable stars at Arizona State University, he writes for Universe Today, The Planetary Society blog, and his own blog, Dear Astronomer
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