Over four hundred years ago, famed astronomer Johannes Kepler witnessed a bright new star light up the sky which, unbeknownst to him, was actually the remnants of a star that had exploded tens of thousands of years prior. But the supernova’s remains are still active to this day, and scientists have been able to use a specially designed X-ray telescope at the Chandra observatory to monitor its activity. After more than 200 hours of observation in 2006, a composite image of Kepler’s lingering form has been created, showing the varying energy levels of its X-ray emissions. If you’re concerned about the effects that Kepler’s stellar explosion may have on our planet, worry not — the remnants are estimated to be at least 16,000 light years away.
X-ray telescope produces gorgeous photos of Kepler supernova’s remains
Scientists at the Chandra X-ray observatory have produced an image of the Kepler’s supernova remnants over 16,000 light years away from Earth.
Scientists at the Chandra X-ray observatory have produced an image of the Kepler’s supernova remnants over 16,000 light years away from Earth.
Follow topics and authors from this story to see more like this in your personalized homepage feed and to receive email updates.
