the equatorial ring. These crescents, which were newly discovered by Webb, shed light on the structure and dynamics of the remnant. They are believed to be the result of the interaction between the supernova’s blast wave and the surrounding material, creating shock fronts that form these distinct shapes.
The equatorial ring, on the other hand, is composed of material that was ejected tens of thousands of years before the supernova explosion. This ring contains bright hot spots, indicating areas where the shock wave is colliding with the ring material and heating it up.
Beyond the equatorial ring, there is diffuse emission and two faint outer rings. These features provide further insight into the complex processes occurring within the remnant of SN 1987a.
The observations made by JWST’s NIRCam not only reveal new details about the structure of SN 1987a but also demonstrate the capabilities of Webb’s unique views in the infrared range. With its high resolution and sensitivity, JWST is poised to unveil even more secrets about this intriguing supernova remnant and the potential presence of a newborn neutron star.
The study of SN 1987a and its evolution offers valuable insights into the life and death of massive stars, as well as the formation of neutron stars and other compact remnants. With continued observations and advancements in technology, scientists hope to unravel the mysteries surrounding the inner region of this explosion and uncover the true nature of the remnant’s central object.