Contains the remains of a star that exploded 1,840 years ago

NASA's X-ray telescope has captured new images of the oldest supernova remnant ever recorded by humans. This supernova remnant is 'SN 185', located about 8,000 light-years away from Earth and observed in the direction of Alpha Centauri, the closest star system to the solar system.

According to historical records by Chinese astronomers, this star is believed to have exploded in 185 AD. Scientists estimate that at the time, this supernova could have been observed with the naked eye in the sky for up to eight months.

New facts revealed by X-ray polarization

NASA's Imaging X-ray Polarization Probe (IXPE) was used for this observation. IXPE has the unique ability to analyze the polarization of X-rays, that is, how the X-ray light wave oscillates with respect to the direction in which it travels.

In the new image, astronomers studied the outer rim of this supernova remnant, also known as 'RCW 86'. In the area NASA highlighted with a purple ring, the debris gas appears to have stopped expanding.

In previous research, scientists discovered that there was a large, low-density 'cavity' at the center of the supernova, causing the remnant to expand faster than expected. “IXPE’s outer edge observations add a more complete picture to what other telescopes have observed,” NASA said in a statement.

The key to solving the profound mysteries of the universe

IXPE's X-ray polarization analysis technology plays a key role in exploring the deepest secrets of the universe. Through this technology, astronomers are solving questions such as why black holes rotate, what powers the extreme jets spewing out of supermassive black holes, and why pulsars shine so brightly in X-rays.

The supernova explosion in 185 AD is known to be the first supernova observation recorded by mankind. Now, about 2,000 years later, advanced space telescope technology is uncovering the true nature of the light that ancient astronomers saw with the naked eye, down to the molecular level.