Chandra X-ray Observatory released a new wonderful image (above) this month of Cassiopeia A, a well-studied supernova remnant. Cass A is what is left of a star that exploded and that must have appeared in Earth’s sky some 300 years ago. The expanding cloud of material left by the supernova now measures approximately 10 light-years across from our earthly perspective. What’s cool about this X-ray image are different colors, which show the presence of different elements, including silicon (red), sulfur (yellow), calcium (green) and iron (purple). These are the elements in our bodies and all around us on Earth and in space. They are indeed created inside stars and released to space by supernovae. The blast wave from the Cass A explosion is seen as the blue outer ring. A statement from Chandra said:
Astronomers have long studied exploded stars and their remains — known as ‘supernova remnants’ — to better understand exactly how stars produce and then disseminate many of the elements observed on Earth, and in the cosmos at large.
Bottom line: A new X-ray image from Chandra shows different colors, showing the release of different elements, including silicon (red), sulfur (yellow), calcium (green) and iron (purple). These elements may eventually find their way into new planets, and perhaps new living creatures.
Deborah Byrd created the EarthSky radio series in 1991 and founded EarthSky.org in 1994. Prior to that, she had worked for the University of Texas McDonald Observatory since 1976, and created and produced their Star Date radio series. Today, she serves as Editor-in-Chief of this website. She has won a galaxy of awards from the broadcasting and science communities, including having an asteroid named 3505 Byrd in her honor. In 2020, she won the Education Prize from the American Astronomical Society, the largest organization of professional astronomers in North America. A science communicator and educator since 1976, Byrd believes in science as a force for good in the world and a vital tool for the 21st century. "Being an EarthSky editor is like hosting a big global party for cool nature-lovers," she says.
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