James Webb Telescope Finds Neutron Star in SN 1987A Remnant

• 24 Feb 2024

NASA announced the discovery of a neutron star using the James Webb Space Telescope, shedding light on the aftermath of Supernova SN 1987A.

Key Points

• Discovery of Neutron Star: Scientists utilize the James Webb Space Telescope to uncover evidence of a neutron star at the site of a young supernova remnant, SN 1987A.
• Significance of Core-Collapse Supernova: Core-collapse supernova SN 1987A offers a rare opportunity to observe the formation of a neutron star or black hole.
• Historical Context of SN 1987A: SN 1987A, detected in 1987, marks the first visible supernova since 1604, providing valuable insights into stellar evolution and explosion mechanisms.
• Neutrino Burst Confirmation: Detection of neutrino bursts just before the visible-light observation of SN 1987A confirms theories regarding core-collapse supernova events.
• Implications of Discovery: The discovery provides crucial evidence supporting the existence of a neutron star within the remnants of SN 1987A, advancing our understanding of stellar phenomena.