Gemini North Telescope Captures Most Detailed Image of Pa 30 Nebula
New observations of the Pa 30 supernova remnant reveal about 10 times more structures than any previous images, including pearl-like gas knots.
Astronomers have obtained the most detailed image yet of the Pa 30 nebula using the Gemini North telescope in Hawaii, according to WIRED en Español. The new observations revealed about 10 times more structures than any previous images of the supernova remnant.
The filaments appear shaped like beads on a string, made up of pearl-like knots of gas of relatively uniform size. Each of these "cosmic pearl" knots measures about four light-days in diameter, according to the study published in The Astrophysical Journal.
The new photograph brings out structures that had long gone unnoticed in earlier views of the remnant.
A remnant tied to a medieval sighting
The Pa 30 nebula is the remnant of a supernova likely observed and documented from Earth during the Middle Ages. The nebula matches records left by Chinese and Japanese astronomers in 1181, who described a new star visible for several months.
Its central star is considered a "zombie star" because it isn't exactly dead, unlike typical thermonuclear supernovae.
Quick answers
What telescope captured the new image of the Pa 30 nebula?
The image was obtained with the Gemini North telescope in Hawaii.
How large are the pearl-like knots in the Pa 30 nebula?
Each knot measures about four light-days in diameter, according to the study published in The Astrophysical Journal.
Why is the central star of Pa 30 called a zombie star?
Because it isn't exactly dead, unlike typical thermonuclear supernovae.