SNR 0509-67.5 and Light Echoes in the LMC
Quicktime

• High Res (89.2 MB)
• Low Res (13.3 MB)

MPEG

• High Res (9.8 MB)
• Low Res (6.8 MB)

This sequence of images begins with a panoramic view in optical light of the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC), a companion galaxy to the Milky Way where the supernova remnant 0509-67.5 is found. The locations of Chandra’s X-ray image (right) and an optical light image of the light echo -- where light from the original explosion has bounced off nearby dust clouds -- are then shown. A zoom-in shows the circular shape of the remnant in Chandra’s X-ray light. A time-lapse movie of the light echoes (blue) in optical light is then shown against LMC stars (orange). A final zoom-out is then made.
[Runtime: 00:50]

(Credit: X-ray: NASA/CXC/Rutgers/J.Warren, J.Hughes.; Optical (Light Echo): NOAO/AURA/NSF/Harvard/A.Rest et al.; Optical (LMC): NOAO/AURA/NSF/S.Points, C.Smith & MCELS team)

Illustrations of Light Echoes and a Supernova Remnant
Quicktime

• High Res (27.5 MB)
• Low Res (3 MB)

MPEG

• High Res (2.5 MB)
• Low Res (1.9 MB)

This sequence of artist's illustrations depicts the aftermath of a supernova explosion, showing the production of light echoes and a supernova remnant. It begins with a view of a bright, massive star in the center, surrounded by several dust clouds. A bright flash of light marks the destruction of the star in a supernova explosion. As time passes the supernova dims and its light spreads outwards, eventually reflecting off the dust clouds to create light echoes. Later, a supernova remnant appears at the site of the supernova explosion and grows with time.
[Runtime: 00:13]
(Credit: NASA/CXC/M.Weiss)