Flowers from the Universe…
This cosmic chrysanthemum is the Tycho supernova remnant. Seen here 450 years after skygazers spotted an exploding star, scientists are still learning from its remains. IXPE telescope added new insight by detecting polarized X-ray light, helping us understand how the Tycho supernova remnant is a powerful particle accelerator.
This is a composite image of Tycho's supernova remnant in X-ray and visible light. The remnant is mostly round in shape, and it resembles a fluffy, clumpy cotton ball set against a starry sky. Its surface looks like a mottled mix of purples, pinks, and blues, with tightly packed tufts of color. Stars shine across the image in optical light.
Credits: X-ray (IXPE: NASA/ASI/MSFC/INAF/R. Ferrazzoli, et al.), (Chandra: NASA/CXC/RIKEN & GSFC/T. Sato et al.); Optical: DSS; Image processing: NASA/CXC/SAO/K. Arcand, L. Frattare & N. Wolk
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