<p>Over a millennium ago, in July 1054, when Chinese astronomers documented a remarkable "guest star" that shone as brightly as Jupiter for nearly a month, it sparked curiosity and speculations in equal proportions. But the two quickly went into oblivion as the guest star faded from sight. This celestial phenomenon was later identified as a cloud of debris from a dying star, located approximately 6,500 light-years away in the constellation Taurus.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Named the Crab Nebula in the 19th century by Irish astronomer Lord Rosse, it was so called due to its appearance of "streams running out like claws in every direction."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/supernova-hunter-james-webb-spots-most-distant-star-explosion-731106">Supernova hunter James Webb spots most distant star explosion</a></strong></p>

<p>Now in the twenty first century, the James Webb Space Telescope has provided an unprecedented mosaic of the Crab Nebula. For the first time, astronomers can observe the cage-like formations created by countless dust grains, prominently displayed as fluffy magenta material in the upper right and lower left regions of the image.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Unlike other supernova remnants, where dust is concentrated in the central regions, the Crab Nebula’s dust is largely contained within the filaments of its outer shell.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;NASA James Webb Telescope captures stunning pictures of the universe | Science News | WION</strong></p>

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<p>"The Crab Nebula lives up to a tradition in astronomy: The nearest, brightest, and best-studied objects tend to be bizarre," Nathan Smith, co-author of the study from the Steward Observatory at the University of Arizona, said in a statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>These observations have been detailed in a paper accepted for publication in The Astrophysical Journal Letters.</p>

<h2><strong>What makes this 'guest star' mysterious?</strong></h2>

<p>Since its explosion as a supernova, the star's shell has been expanding at a staggering rate of approximately 900 miles (1,500 kilometres) per second and now spans about 11 light-years across. Despite its well-documented history and proximity, many details of the explosion have remained a mystery.</p>

<p>The star at the centre&nbsp;of the Crab Nebula likely initiated its demise by producing iron, a process that consumes more energy than it releases, causing the star to collapse under its own gravity.&nbsp;</p>

<p>At the heart of the nebula now lies a rapidly spinning pulsar, visible in Webb's image as a bright white dot at the centre.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Over a millennium ago, in July 1054, when Chinese astronomers documented a remarkable "guest star" that shone as brightly as Jupiter for nearly a month, it sparked curiosity and speculations in equal proportions.

Over a millennium ago, in July 1054, when Chinese astronomers documented a remarkable "guest star" that shone as brightly as Jupiter for nearly a month, it sparked curiosity and speculations in equal proportions. But the two quickly went into oblivion as the guest star faded from sight. This celestial phenomenon was later identified as a cloud of debris from a dying star, located approximately 6,500 light-years away in the constellation Taurus. Named the Crab Nebula in the 19th century by Irish astronomer Lord Rosse, it was so called due to its appearance of "streams running out like claws in every direction." Also read | Supernova hunter James Webb spots most distant star explosion Now in the twenty first century, the James Webb Space Telescope has provided an unprecedented mosaic of the Crab Nebula. For the first time, astronomers can observe the cage-like formations created by countless dust grains, prominently displayed as fluffy magenta material in the upper right and lower left regions of the image. Unlike other supernova remnants, where dust is concentrated in the central regions, the Crab Nebula’s dust is largely contained within the filaments of its outer shell. Also watch | NASA James Webb Telescope captures stunning pictures of the universe | Science News | WION × "The Crab Nebula lives up to a tradition in astronomy: The nearest, brightest, and best-studied objects tend to be bizarre," Nathan Smith, co-author of the study from the Steward Observatory at the University of Arizona, said in a statement. These observations have been detailed in a paper accepted for publication in The Astrophysical Journal Letters. What makes this 'guest star' mysterious? Since its explosion as a supernova, the star's shell has been expanding at a staggering rate of approximately 900 miles (1,500 kilometres) per second and now spans about 11 light-years across. Despite its well-documented history and proximity, many details of the explosion have remained a mystery. The star at the centre of the Crab Nebula likely initiated its demise by producing iron, a process that consumes more energy than it releases, causing the star to collapse under its own gravity. At the heart of the nebula now lies a rapidly spinning pulsar, visible in Webb's image as a bright white dot at the centre. (With inputs from agencies)

China's 11th century 'guest star' revealed as spectacular Crab Nebula

<p>James Webb Space Telescope, an extraordinary space telescope&nbsp;by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) gazed at Crab Nebula, revealing stunning details. The Crab Nebula is a supernova remnant, which is located 6,500 light-years away in the constellation Taurus.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It is reported to be an expanding remnant of a star's supernova explosion. The Japanese and Chinese astronomers recorded this violent event nearly 1,000 years ago in 1054 AD. The Crab Nebula has intrigued scientists for years and still draws attention as scientists aim at understanding the conditions, behaviour, and after-effects of supernovae.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On its website, NASA noted that a team led by Tea Temim at Princeton University is searching for answers about the Crab Nebula's origins using James Webb'ss NIRCam (Near-Infrared Camera) and MIRI (Mid-Infrared Instrument).&nbsp;</p>

<p>As quoted by NASA, Temim explained: "Webb's sensitivity and spatial resolution allow us to accurately determine the composition of the ejected material, particularly the content of iron and nickel, which may reveal what type of explosion produced the Crab Nebula."&nbsp;</p>

<p>NASA also released a side-by-side image of the Crab Nebula as seen by the Hubble Space Telescope and the James Webb to compare the different details.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/nasa-launched-mission-to-20000-years-old-supernova-remnant-to-understand-life-cycles-of-stars-652966">NASA launches mission to 20,000-year-old supernova remnant to understand life cycle of stars</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><img alt="Crab Nebula" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="09698cb1-1b40-44b2-9da9-a2e60bd58108" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Crab%20Nebula%20%282%29.png" /></p>

<p><em><strong>Image: Image of Crab Nebula as seen by the Hubble in optical light (left) and James Webb in infrared light (right). Credit: NASA.&nbsp;</strong></em></p>

<p>The astronomers at the American space agency can now build a more comprehensive understanding of this mysterious supernova remnant by studying the recently collected Webb data. They also consulted the previous observations of the Crab.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the latest image, the central regions, emission from dust grains (yellow-white and green), have been&nbsp;mapped out by Webb for the first time. The general shape of the Crab Nebula is similar to what Hubble had observed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Webb highlights what is known as synchrotron radiation: emission produced from charged particles, like electrons, moving around magnetic field lines at relativistic speeds," NASA said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/where-exactly-on-mars-should-humans-go-nasa-scientists-release-a-map-653058">Where exactly on Mars should humans go? NASA scientists release a map</a></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">It’s Monday. Feeling crabby? 🦀<br />
<br />
6,500 light-years away lies the Crab Nebula, the remains of an exploded star. While it is a well-studied target, Webb’s infrared sensitivity and resolution offer new clues into the makeup and origins of this nebula: <a href="https://t.co/FAu0qUTM86">https://t.co/FAu0qUTM86</a> <a href="https://t.co/deG8wKGTQR">pic.twitter.com/deG8wKGTQR</a></p>
— NASA Webb Telescope (@NASAWebb) <a href="https://twitter.com/NASAWebb/status/1718993338362401229?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 30, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>The pulsar heart of the Crab Nebula can be found by following the wisps that form a bright white dot in the centre and tracing them in a circular pattern resembling ripples.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After that, track the radiation's tiny white ribbons as they extend farther from the core. The nebula is shaped and sculpted by the pulsar's magnetic field, which is indicated by the closely spaced, curved wisps.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The NASA report mentioned that the white material appears to be pinching the nebula's waist as it curves abruptly inward from the filamentary dust cage's edges towards the neutron star's location at the centre, left and right.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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James Webb Space Telescope, an extraordinary space telescope by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) gazed at Crab Nebula, revealing stunning details.

James Webb Space Telescope, an extraordinary space telescope by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) gazed at Crab Nebula, revealing stunning details. The Crab Nebula is a supernova remnant, which is located 6,500 light-years away in the constellation Taurus. It is reported to be an expanding remnant of a star's supernova explosion. The Japanese and Chinese astronomers recorded this violent event nearly 1,000 years ago in 1054 AD. The Crab Nebula has intrigued scientists for years and still draws attention as scientists aim at understanding the conditions, behaviour, and after-effects of supernovae. On its website, NASA noted that a team led by Tea Temim at Princeton University is searching for answers about the Crab Nebula's origins using James Webb'ss NIRCam (Near-Infrared Camera) and MIRI (Mid-Infrared Instrument). As quoted by NASA, Temim explained: "Webb's sensitivity and spatial resolution allow us to accurately determine the composition of the ejected material, particularly the content of iron and nickel, which may reveal what type of explosion produced the Crab Nebula." NASA also released a side-by-side image of the Crab Nebula as seen by the Hubble Space Telescope and the James Webb to compare the different details. Also read: NASA launches mission to 20,000-year-old supernova remnant to understand life cycle of stars Image: Image of Crab Nebula as seen by the Hubble in optical light (left) and James Webb in infrared light (right). Credit: NASA. The astronomers at the American space agency can now build a more comprehensive understanding of this mysterious supernova remnant by studying the recently collected Webb data. They also consulted the previous observations of the Crab. In the latest image, the central regions, emission from dust grains (yellow-white and green), have been mapped out by Webb for the first time. The general shape of the Crab Nebula is similar to what Hubble had observed. "Webb highlights what is known as synchrotron radiation: emission produced from charged particles, like electrons, moving around magnetic field lines at relativistic speeds," NASA said. Also read: Where exactly on Mars should humans go? NASA scientists release a map It’s Monday. Feeling crabby? 🦀 6,500 light-years away lies the Crab Nebula, the remains of an exploded star. While it is a well-studied target, Webb’s infrared sensitivity and resolution offer new clues into the makeup and origins of this nebula: https://t.co/FAu0qUTM86 pic.twitter.com/deG8wKGTQR — NASA Webb Telescope (@NASAWebb) October 30, 2023 × The pulsar heart of the Crab Nebula can be found by following the wisps that form a bright white dot in the centre and tracing them in a circular pattern resembling ripples. After that, track the radiation's tiny white ribbons as they extend farther from the core. The nebula is shaped and sculpted by the pulsar's magnetic field, which is indicated by the closely spaced, curved wisps. The NASA report mentioned that the white material appears to be pinching the nebula's waist as it curves abruptly inward from the filamentary dust cage's edges towards the neutron star's location at the centre, left and right. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Oh, Crab! James Webb reveals never-before-seen details of Crab Nebula

<p>Over the weekend, the United States space agency, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) released an image of the Crab Nebula which it said was one of the well-known as well as mysterious astronomical objects in our night sky.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The bright cosmic object is 6,500 light-years away, in the Taurus constellation, the image of which was captured by using NASA’s Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE), which launched on December 9, 2021.</p>

<p><strong>What makes this image historic?</strong></p>

<p>There is a long history behind the recently released image as the sensors which had been directed at the Crab Nebula were first launched in a sounding rocket back in 1971. However, scientists back then would first receive scientific data on a strip chart recorder, a device that printed signals on paper. For this project, astronomer Martin Weisskopf and his colleagues began their analysis on launch day by measuring the distance between signals using a ruler and pencil. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>It was not until a few decades later that the astronomer proposed developing a satellite with “powerful instruments” which would help them gather more detailed measurements of the Crab Nebula and other mysterious cosmic objects. This led to the creation of IXPE and now over five decades later scientists have a nuanced map of the Crab Nebula’s magnetic field.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“What makes science so beautiful and exciting is that for those few moments, you’re seeing something that no one has ever seen before,” said Weisskopf, in a statement, who is now an emeritus astronomer at NASA. The Crab Nebula is also the result of a supernova documented in the year 1054, said the space agency.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The explosion left behind a dense object called the Crab Pulsar, about the diameter of the length of Manhattan with the mass of about two Suns. “The chaotic mess of gases, shock waves, magnetic fields and high-energy light and particles coming from the rotating pulsar is collectively called a ‘pulsar wind nebula,’” NASA explained.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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<p>However, the extreme conditions which resulted in this “bizarre environment” have not been thoroughly understood. Even after so many years, “every recent large telescope has pointed to the Crab Nebula to better understand this mysterious supernova remnant,” said NASA, in a statement.</p>

<p>“The Crab is one of the most-studied high-energy astrophysical objects in the sky. So it is extremely exciting that we could learn something new about this system by looking through IXPE’s ‘polarized lenses,’” said Michela Negro, a research scientist at NASA and co-author of the study.</p>

<p><strong>What did the scientists find?</strong></p>

<p>While the image of the nebula is a sight to behold it was actually the Crab Nebula’s magnetic field that the scientists wanted to understand more about. According to NASA, the map has revealed “more of its inner workings than ever before.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>The researchers observed that the magnetic field of the Crab Nebula resembles that of the Vela Pulsar Wind Nebula, which is also doughnut-shaped, however, they were surprised by how parts of the magnetic field turbulence “more patchy and asymmetrical than expected.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>It was the previously mentioned “bizarre environment” that Weisskopf and colleagues were hoping to understand by measuring the polarisation of X-rays from the Crab Nebula. This is because the polarisation of X-ray gives scientists clues to the direction where the magnetic field points in different parts of a cosmic object, as well as how well-ordered the magnetic field is. &nbsp;</p>

<p>“The magnetic field’s geometry and turbulence determines how particles get catapulted toward the speed of light,” said NASA. Scientists found that the areas of polarisation in the outer regions of the nebula are light-years away from the pulsar, where polarisation is lower.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This has enabled them not only to investigate the X-rays from the Crab Nebula but also those coming from the pulsar itself. “The findings suggest that those X-rays originate in the outer magnetic field region, called the ‘wind’ region, although exactly where and how is still unknown,” said NASA.&nbsp;<br />
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Over the weekend, the United States space agency, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) released an image of the Crab Nebula which it said was one of the well-known as well as mysterious astronomical objects in our night sky.

Over the weekend, the United States space agency, National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) released an image of the Crab Nebula which it said was one of the well-known as well as mysterious astronomical objects in our night sky. The bright cosmic object is 6,500 light-years away, in the Taurus constellation, the image of which was captured by using NASA’s Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE), which launched on December 9, 2021. What makes this image historic? There is a long history behind the recently released image as the sensors which had been directed at the Crab Nebula were first launched in a sounding rocket back in 1971. However, scientists back then would first receive scientific data on a strip chart recorder, a device that printed signals on paper. For this project, astronomer Martin Weisskopf and his colleagues began their analysis on launch day by measuring the distance between signals using a ruler and pencil. It was not until a few decades later that the astronomer proposed developing a satellite with “powerful instruments” which would help them gather more detailed measurements of the Crab Nebula and other mysterious cosmic objects. This led to the creation of IXPE and now over five decades later scientists have a nuanced map of the Crab Nebula’s magnetic field. “What makes science so beautiful and exciting is that for those few moments, you’re seeing something that no one has ever seen before,” said Weisskopf, in a statement, who is now an emeritus astronomer at NASA. The Crab Nebula is also the result of a supernova documented in the year 1054, said the space agency. The explosion left behind a dense object called the Crab Pulsar, about the diameter of the length of Manhattan with the mass of about two Suns. “The chaotic mess of gases, shock waves, magnetic fields and high-energy light and particles coming from the rotating pulsar is collectively called a ‘pulsar wind nebula,’” NASA explained. View this post on Instagram A post shared by NASA (@nasa) × However, the extreme conditions which resulted in this “bizarre environment” have not been thoroughly understood. Even after so many years, “every recent large telescope has pointed to the Crab Nebula to better understand this mysterious supernova remnant,” said NASA, in a statement. “The Crab is one of the most-studied high-energy astrophysical objects in the sky. So it is extremely exciting that we could learn something new about this system by looking through IXPE’s ‘polarized lenses,’” said Michela Negro, a research scientist at NASA and co-author of the study. What did the scientists find? While the image of the nebula is a sight to behold it was actually the Crab Nebula’s magnetic field that the scientists wanted to understand more about. According to NASA, the map has revealed “more of its inner workings than ever before.” The researchers observed that the magnetic field of the Crab Nebula resembles that of the Vela Pulsar Wind Nebula, which is also doughnut-shaped, however, they were surprised by how parts of the magnetic field turbulence “more patchy and asymmetrical than expected.” It was the previously mentioned “bizarre environment” that Weisskopf and colleagues were hoping to understand by measuring the polarisation of X-rays from the Crab Nebula. This is because the polarisation of X-ray gives scientists clues to the direction where the magnetic field points in different parts of a cosmic object, as well as how well-ordered the magnetic field is. “The magnetic field’s geometry and turbulence determines how particles get catapulted toward the speed of light,” said NASA. Scientists found that the areas of polarisation in the outer regions of the nebula are light-years away from the pulsar, where polarisation is lower. This has enabled them not only to investigate the X-rays from the Crab Nebula but also those coming from the pulsar itself. “The findings suggest that those X-rays originate in the outer magnetic field region, called the ‘wind’ region, although exactly where and how is still unknown,” said NASA. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Historic! NASA’s IXPE captures image of Crab Nebula, the ‘mysterious supernova remnant’

<p>Astrophysicists from the&nbsp;Large High Altitude Air Shower Observatory (LHAASO) have detected a dozen sources of ultra high-energy gamma rays from hot spots&nbsp;in our Milky Way galaxy,&nbsp;according to a study in the journal Nature.</p>

<p>Gamma rays with such high energy have never been detected before, and the findings suggest these rays can come not just from dying stars, but are also generated inside massive young stars.</p>

<p>''These results are really stunning,&nbsp;some of the most exciting I have ever seen,''&nbsp;said Alan Watson, an astrophysicist working with the Pierre Auger Observatory in Argentina.</p>

<p>Astrophysicist Cao Zhen&nbsp;team traced 530 high-energy gamma rays to 12 sources including a massive cluster of young stars called the Cygnus Cocoon and the interstellar cloud called the Crab Nebula.</p>

<p>Gamma rays are a type of extreme radiation generated by the hottest and brightest explosions in the universe, like when a large star implodes.</p>

<p>Those implosions also create the matter that make up planets&nbsp;and everything that lives on them, including us. Of all the electromagnetic waves in the universe, gamma rays have the smallest wavelengths and the most energy. They can release more energy in 10 seconds than our sun in 10 billion years.</p>

<p>The pool of purified water at LHAASO that Cao paddled across measures the subatomic shrapnel the air shower&nbsp;in the observatory's name&nbsp;created when gamma rays and high energy particles called cosmic rays crash into the Earth's atmosphere.</p>

<p>The shrapnel includes mysterious particles called muons that can be seen as faint blue flashes known as Cherenkov radiation in the observatory's dark water. The array of 3,120 beachball-sized globes contain tiny sensors that measure the radiation.</p>

<p>''We can trace these gamma rays back to their source in the sky,''&nbsp;said Cao, dressed in blue scrubs to keep the water clean. ''We can find something new.''</p>

<p>LHAASO is one of dozens of devices on Earth and in orbit suspended in ice tunnels in Antarctica or inside toaster-sized satellites,&nbsp;trying to understand how matter such as carbon, oxygen and iron came to be.</p>

<p>Located near the 4,400-meter-tall (14,500-foot-tall) Haizi Mountain, it houses separate instruments that can study different phenomena, including cosmic rays, high energy subatomic particles that scientists believe come from the same sources as gamma rays.</p>

<p>Cosmic rays are like sparks from a massive stellar crucible each contains flecks of material from the forging process. Gamma rays are more like light from a glowing hearth. By studying both, the observatory can learn more about what generated them.</p>

<p>''The Chinese observatory offers unprecedented sensitivity,''&nbsp;said Avi Loeb, a Harvard University astrophysicist, that may, for example, help physicists tell whether if some rays come from inside our galaxy or farther away.</p>

<p>It's not yet complete, however. Cao said that by the end of June the instruments will be in place, including 5,195 electromagnetic detectors, 1,188 muon detectors, and 18 Cherenkov telescopes each the size of a shipping container that will study air showers in the sky.</p>

<p>''The outcome really justifies the massive effort,''&nbsp;Watson said of the new findings. ''This is just the tip of the iceberg.''</p>


Astrophysicists from the Large High Altitude Air Shower Observatory (LHAASO) have detected a dozen sources of ultra high-energy gamma rays from hot spots in our Milky Way galaxy, according to a study in the journal Nature.

Astrophysicists from the Large High Altitude Air Shower Observatory (LHAASO) have detected a dozen sources of ultra high-energy gamma rays from hot spots in our Milky Way galaxy, according to a study in the journal Nature. Gamma rays with such high energy have never been detected before, and the findings suggest these rays can come not just from dying stars, but are also generated inside massive young stars. ''These results are really stunning, some of the most exciting I have ever seen,'' said Alan Watson, an astrophysicist working with the Pierre Auger Observatory in Argentina. Astrophysicist Cao Zhen team traced 530 high-energy gamma rays to 12 sources including a massive cluster of young stars called the Cygnus Cocoon and the interstellar cloud called the Crab Nebula. Gamma rays are a type of extreme radiation generated by the hottest and brightest explosions in the universe, like when a large star implodes. Those implosions also create the matter that make up planets and everything that lives on them, including us. Of all the electromagnetic waves in the universe, gamma rays have the smallest wavelengths and the most energy. They can release more energy in 10 seconds than our sun in 10 billion years. The pool of purified water at LHAASO that Cao paddled across measures the subatomic shrapnel the air shower in the observatory's name created when gamma rays and high energy particles called cosmic rays crash into the Earth's atmosphere. The shrapnel includes mysterious particles called muons that can be seen as faint blue flashes known as Cherenkov radiation in the observatory's dark water. The array of 3,120 beachball-sized globes contain tiny sensors that measure the radiation. ''We can trace these gamma rays back to their source in the sky,'' said Cao, dressed in blue scrubs to keep the water clean. ''We can find something new.'' LHAASO is one of dozens of devices on Earth and in orbit suspended in ice tunnels in Antarctica or inside toaster-sized satellites, trying to understand how matter such as carbon, oxygen and iron came to be. Located near the 4,400-meter-tall (14,500-foot-tall) Haizi Mountain, it houses separate instruments that can study different phenomena, including cosmic rays, high energy subatomic particles that scientists believe come from the same sources as gamma rays. Cosmic rays are like sparks from a massive stellar crucible each contains flecks of material from the forging process. Gamma rays are more like light from a glowing hearth. By studying both, the observatory can learn more about what generated them. ''The Chinese observatory offers unprecedented sensitivity,'' said Avi Loeb, a Harvard University astrophysicist, that may, for example, help physicists tell whether if some rays come from inside our galaxy or farther away. It's not yet complete, however. Cao said that by the end of June the instruments will be in place, including 5,195 electromagnetic detectors, 1,188 muon detectors, and 18 Cherenkov telescopes each the size of a shipping container that will study air showers in the sky. ''The outcome really justifies the massive effort,'' Watson said of the new findings. ''This is just the tip of the iceberg.''

Astrophysicists detect gamma rays from surprising cosmic sources

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Astrophysicists detect gamma rays from surprising cosmic sources