NASA's IXPE Discovers Electric Remains of Exploded Star Cassiopeia A

October 19, 2022 By Raulf Hernes

(Image Credit Google)

Astronomers have for the first time discovered and mapped polarised X-rays from the remains of an exploding star using NASA's Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer. The study provides new insight into how early supernova remnants behave, which accelerates particles nearly at the speed of light. In addition, data from a juvenile supernova known as Cassiopeia A were used, according to a NASA news release from Wednesday, October 18. The first satellite to examine the polarisation of X-ray radiation with this level of sensitivity and clarity is IXPE, which was created by NASA and the Italian Space Agency. On December 9, 2021, the satellite was launched into space. According to NASA, since IXPE's detectors can map the trajectories of incoming X-ray radiation, any type of light can be polarised, including radio waves and gamma rays. Scientists can determine the polarization, which specifies the path taken by the X-rays, using these distinctive track records.

NASA's IXPE Discovers Electric Remains of Exploded Star Cassiopeia A

IXPE began collecting data and made its initial observation of Cassiopeia A. (abbreviated Cas A). Cas A's shock waves, which are some of the fastest in the Milky Way and resemble the sonic boom created by an aircraft, were a factor in their selection. The big star collapsed and was obliterated by the supernova explosion. Over three hundred years ago, the light from the explosion sped past Earth. Despite traveling at incredibly high speeds, the particles swept up by the shock waves in Cas A are unable to escape the supernova remnant because magnetic fields confine them after the shocks. The particles spiral as a result of the magnetic field lines, and the electrons release "synchrotron radiation," a potent form of polarised light.

By Raulf Hernes

If you ask me raulf means ALL ABOUT TECH!!

NASA's IXPE Discovers Electric Remains of Exploded Star Cassiopeia A

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