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Artist’s Impression of Supernova 1993J
This is an artist's impression of supernova 1993J, an exploding star in the galaxy M81 whose light reached us 21 years ago. The supernova originated in a double-star system where one member was a massive star that exploded after siphoning most of its hydrogen envelope to its companion star. After two decades, astronomers have at last identified the blue helium-burning companion star, seen at the center of the expanding nebula of debris from the supernova. The Hubble Space Telescope identified the ultraviolet glow of the surviving companion embedded in the fading glow of the supernova.
- Release DateSeptember 9, 2014
- Science ReleaseHubble Finds Companion Star Hidden for 21 Years in a Supernova’s Glare
- Credit
Related Images & Videos
Supernova 1993J in Spiral Galaxy M81
This Hubble Space Telescope photo composite shows the location of supernova 1993J inside the majestic spiral galaxy M81. Though astronomers saw the star explode as a supernova 21 years ago, the glow of that explosion is still present, as seen in the inset image. The supernova...
Scenario for Type IIb SN 1993J
This illustration shows the key steps in the evolution of a Type IIb supernova. Panel 1: Two very hot stars orbit about each other in a binary system. Panel 2: The slightly more massive member of the pair evolves into a bloated red giant and spills the hydrogen in its outer...
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Last Updated
Aug 17, 2025
Contact
Media
Claire Andreoli
NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center
Greenbelt, Maryland
claire.andreoli@nasa.gov
