For the first time, astronomers captured the image of a dead star that exploded … twice. This double supernova changes everything we thought we knew about the end of the stars.
SNR 0509-67.5: a white dwarf downside in the big Magellan cloud
First of all, SNR 0509-67.5 is in the big cloud of Magellan, at 160,000 light years. Then it is a supernova IA type, from a Woman Blanche having accumulated thehélium on its surface.
Then, for the first time, the images of Very Large Telescope (VLT) have unveiled two couches de calcium distinct. The first comes from the explosion of thehelium envelopethe second of tablet. These two successive explodes form the double detonation.
Finally, this long theorized scenario now takes shape. Thanks to this visual proof, the astronomical community has new lighting on the death cycle Compact stars.
Muse on VLT: spectro-imagery which reveals the chemical signature of each explosion
First, the instrument MUSE analyzed the light of the remains. He highlighted filaments of ionized calcium Visible in shades of blue and green.
Then the optical spectra et infrared confirmed theabundance Heavy elements (iron, nickel) produced by the second detonation. Measurement of ejection speed Proves that each explosion has released distinct energies.
In addition, by comparing this data with digital models, astronomers validated the “helium then nucleus” sequence. This multi-length of wave approach offers a diagnostic complet and unequivocal of the mechanism.
Standard candles and cosmic alchemy: issues for cosmology and chemistry of the universe
Indeed, the supernovae of Type IA serve as Standard candles To map theexpansion of the universe. However, the double detonation changes their brightness and their time timeresulting in slight corrections in Cosmic distances.
In addition, these explosions disperse in the space of heavy elements like iron and calcium. Thus, they enrich the interstellar environment and participate in the training of planets and vie.
Consequently, integrate the double detonation in the models will improve our understanding of thechemical evolution and large -scale structure of the universe.
Towards a new era of observations and modeling
Ultimately, the observation of SNR 0509-67.5 in double explosion inaugurates a new chapter in astrophysics. From now on, the future telescopes – as James Webb (JWST) and theExtremely Large Telescope (ELT)—Ar will look for other double detonations. This will make it possible to constitute a catalogue dedicated and specify the variability IA supernovae.
Ultimately, cosmology and stellar chemistry will have to integrate these discoveries. Indeed, each meter of cosmos is perhaps marked by these two times of death Stars. The universe continues to be more complex and fascinating than ever.
Source : Nature Astronomy / ESO
