Scientists uncover new evidence of what triggered famous supernova explosion - 27th Apr 2011

This incredible image may offer scientists proof of the cause of an historic supernova explosion.

The object - originally observed by the Danish astronomer Tycho Brahe in 1572, and dubbed Tycho for short - was discovered by Nasa's Chandra X-ray Observatory.

Scientists believe it provides strong evidence that a star can survive the explosive impact generated when a companion star goes supernova.

'It looks like this companion star was right next to an extremely powerful explosion and it survived relatively unscathed,' said researcher Q Daniel Wang of the University of Massachusetts in Amherst.

'Presumably it was also given a kick when the explosion occurred. Together with the orbital velocity, this kick makes the companion now travel rapidly across space.'

Tycho was formed by a Type 1a supernova, a category of stellar explosion useful in measuring astronomical distances because of their reliable brightness. Read More