Astronomers solve a centuries-old cosmic mystery
CTV
The mystery behind the origins of a supernova first spotted above China nearly 900 years ago has been solved, according to an international team of astronomers.
New research, published Wednesday in The Astrophysical Journal, has linked astronomical reports from more than 800 years ago with a faint, fast-expanding nebula surrounding Parker's Star, one of the hottest stars in the Milky Way galaxy.
The nebula, dubbed Pa30, fits the profile, location and age of the supernova, which was originally documented in 1181 AD.
"The historical reports place the guest star between two Chinese constellations, Chuanshe and Huagai," Albert Zijlstra, astrophysics professor at the University of Manchester, said in a news release. "Parker's Star fits the position well. That means both the age and location fit with the events of 1181."
The first astronomers to lay eyes on the supernova, referred to as SN 1181, described it being as bright as the planet Saturn and remaining visible for six months, the authors of the study said.
