New portrait of the oldest-known supernova | Space photo of the day for March 27, 2026

image via Space.com

March 27, 2026, 2:00 PM

• •IXPE observed supernova remnant SN 185.
• •The explosion happened around AD 185.
• •IXPE studies the polarization of X-rays.

NASA's Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE) has captured a detailed image of the supernova remnant SN 185, located 8,000 light-years away, providing new insights into the exploded star. Based on historical records, the star exploded in AD 185 and was visible for months. IXPE's observation of the remnant's outer rim revealed that the expansion of the gases has stopped in a specific region, contributing to a better understanding of the remnant. By studying the polarization of X-rays, IXPE continues to help astronomers probe the cosmos and its mysteries.

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