In 1987, the first supernova to be observed in modern times was discovered by accident. Astronomer Ian Shelton was photographing the Large Magellanic Cloud from the Las Campanas Observatory in Chile when he noticed an unusually bright object in the developed plates. Initially suspecting a flaw in the print, Shelton stepped outside to verify it and saw a new star in the night sky. Recognizing its sudden appearance, he quickly realized it had to be a supernova—one of the most powerful cosmic explosions known.
His discovery was promptly reported to the world via the global computer network by the International Astronomical Union. The supernova, situated in the Tarantula Nebula in a neighboring galaxy of the Milky Way, is approximately 170,000 light-years away. Although supernovae are rare and seldom visible to the naked eye, history records an exceptional case: the Crab Supernova of 1054, which was bright enough to be observed even during the day.
The Birth of Supernova
Before the explosion, Supernova 1987A was a faint blue supergiant star with a mass about 15 times that of the Sun. Stellar events like supernovae occur when massive stars exhaust their nuclear fuel and can no longer sustain themselves. If the iron core of such a star is sufficiently massive, it collapses under its own gravity. Protons and electrons within the core are compressed to the point of merging, forming neutrons and resulting in what is known as a neutron star.
If the original star is even larger, its gravitational pull can overwhelm the strongest nuclear forces, causing the core to collapse further and form a black hole. In less massive stars, the gravitational collapse instead triggers a violent explosion—a supernova. This single cosmic event can release as much energy as 10 Suns would produce over their entire lifetimes.
Detecting Neutrinos and Cosmic Radiation
Most of the energy emitted during a supernova comes in the form of neutrinos—subatomic particles that rarely interact with matter. Scientists detect these neutrinos using massive underground tanks filled with purified water. When neutrinos pass through the water, they occasionally produce faint flashes of light, allowing researchers to study them.
Following the discovery of Supernova 1987A, various experiments were conducted to measure unusual radiation reaching Earth. Data was collected through satellite systems and instrument-equipped balloons. These efforts confirmed extensive gamma-ray radiation, with NASA’s Solar Maximum Mission satellite and balloon experiments in Australia detecting high-energy emissions.
Global Observations
International collaborations were vital in studying Supernova 1987A. The International Ultraviolet Explorer recorded ultraviolet spectra, Japan’s Ginga satellite detected scattered X-rays, and NASA conducted rocket-based experiments from Australia, capturing radiation across multiple wavelengths.
To study the infrared spectrum—typically absorbed by Earth’s atmosphere—scientists relied on the Kuiper Airborne Observatory, which conducted experiments at high altitudes above New Zealand.
Insights into Stellar Evolution
Findings from these studies significantly advanced our understanding of stellar evolution, planet formation, and the broader history of the universe. Researchers also gained valuable knowledge about nucleosynthesis—the process by which heavy elements are forged in stars. This research continues to refine our understanding of Earth’s origins and the cosmic forces shaping the universe.
