Image credits: NASA et al
Researchers // Professor Stephen NG, Associate Professor of the Department of Physics and the Laboratory for Space Research (LSR), HKU and Dr Yi-Jung YANG of LSR Collaborators // The research is collaborated internationally and led by NASA
Back in the year 1006, an extraordinary event took place in the night sky that amazed people worldwide. A brilliant supernova, now called SN 1006, erupted with such luminosity that it illuminated the daytime for weeks– this remains one of history's most renowned and dazzling supernovae.
After centuries have passed, the time has finally come to unveil the mystery. Our research team collaborated with NASA and utilised the IXPE telescope, a cutting-edge instrument specifically designed to study X-rays with polarised properties, to delve into the magnetic field structure within SN 1006.
Despite some disorganisation, the magnetic fields still exhibited a preferred orientation like a bunch of tangled strings, but they all point in the same general way. This alignment correlated with the motion of shock waves from the explosion.
This discovery sheds light on the role of magnetic fields in trapping and accelerating high-energy particles within the remnant. It also deepens our understanding of supernovae and magnetic fields, driving advancements in technology for space exploration, spacecraft design, astronaut protection, and our comprehension of Earth's magnetic field.
港⼤天體物理學家與 NASA 合作，運⽤ IXPE 望遠鏡解 開超新星殘骸的理論。
WHAT IS A SUPERNOVA?
- A supernova occurs when a massive star reaches the end of its life and undergoes a catastrophic explosion, releasing an enormous amount of energy.
- This explosion causes the star to become incredibly luminous, briefly outshining an entire galaxy.
- Supernovae play a crucial role in dispersing heavy elements into space and shaping the evolution of the universe.
WHY IS SN 1006 SO SPECIAL?
- SN 1006 stands out due to its unique shape, with two expanding lobes that have bright edges.
- Scientists believe SN 1006 originated from the explosion of a white dwarf star, which had a companion star, creating a cosmic pair that orbited each other.
- White dwarfs are dense remnants of stars that have depleted their nuclear fuel and collapsed gravitationally.
- When the white dwarf accumulated enough mass from its companion, it experienced a massive supernova explosion, resulting in the formation of SN 1006.
Journal paper: Magnetic Structures and Turbulence in SN 1006 Revealed with Imaging X-Ray Polarimetry (published in the Astrophysical Journal, 2023)
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