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Hyperpolarized Xenon for NMR and MRI Applications
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An X-ray-emitting blast wave from the recurrent nova RS Ophiuchi.
J L Sokoloski1, G J M Luna, K Mukai
1Smithsonian Astrophysical Observatory, 60 Garden Street, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02138, USA. jsokoloski@cfa.harvard.edu
Nature
|July 21, 2006
Summary
Novae and supernovae create heavy elements. Observations of the recurrent nova RS Ophiuchi reveal its blast wave decelerated quickly, indicating a low-mass ejecta and high-mass white dwarf, a potential Type Ia supernova progenitor.
Area of Science:
- Astronomy and astrophysics
- Cosmic element nucleosynthesis
- Stellar evolution
Background:
- Stellar explosions like novae and supernovae are primary sources of heavy elements.
- Nova onset is understood as surface thermonuclear runaway on white dwarfs, but ejecta properties remain unclear.
- Recurrent novae in nebulae offer unique insights into explosion dynamics and element distribution.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the X-ray emission and blast wave dynamics of the recurrent nova RS Ophiuchi during its eruption.
- To determine the mass and structure of the ejecta and the mass of the white dwarf.
- To assess the implications for the progenitor of Type Ia supernovae.
Main Methods:
- Utilized X-ray observations to study the eruption of the recurrent nova RS Ophiuchi.
- Analyzed the hard X-ray emission originating from behind the blast wave.
- Investigated the expansion and deceleration of the shock wave interacting with the surrounding nebula.
Main Results:
- Observed hard X-ray emission emanating from behind a blast wave in the early stages of the eruption.
- The blast wave expanded freely for less than 2 days before decelerating due to nebula interaction.
- Rapid fading of X-rays suggests a deviation from standard spherical shell structure and indicates low ejecta mass and high white dwarf mass.
Conclusions:
- RS Ophiuchi's rapid deceleration implies low ejecta mass and a high-mass white dwarf.
- The system is a potential progenitor of Type Ia supernovae, crucial for understanding cosmic expansion.
- These findings refine models of nova explosions and their contribution to galactic chemical evolution.
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