Hubble Telescope Successfully Measured Distance To A Supernova Event

Eddie Gonzales Jr. – MessageToEagle.com – Measuring distances to remote cosmic objects like galaxies, quasars, and galaxy clusters is crucial yet challenging in astrophysics, especially when studying the early universe.

This annotated Hubble image of NGC 3810 denotes the location of the Type Ia supernovae SN 2022zut, It was the 18,142nd supernova found in 2022. Credit: ESA/Hubble & NASA, D. Sand, R. J. Foley

Astronomers measure distances to nearby objects directly. They use indirect methods for distant objects, particularly studying Type Ia supernovae. The Hubble Space Telescope is crucial for this research.

NGC 3810, the galaxy shown here, hosted a Type Ia supernova in 2022. In early 2023, Hubble observed this and other galaxies to study recent Type Ia supernovae. These supernovae occur when white dwarfs explode and have consistent peak brightness.

Type Ia supernovae help astronomers measure cosmic distances by comparing their expected brightness to their apparent dimness. However, intergalactic dust can interfere by blocking light, so it requres adjustments to accurately calculate distances.

Astronomers use Hubble’s capabilities to capture images of Type Ia supernovae in ultraviolet and infrared light. Ultraviolet light is mostly blocked by dust, while infrared passes through almost unaffected.

By carefully noting how much light comes through at each wavelength, astronomers can determine how much dust lies between Hubble and the supernova, allowing them to calibrate the relationship between a supernova’s brightness and its distance confidently.

Hubble’s extraordinary ability to observe in ultraviolet and infrared wavelengths makes it ideal for detailed observations. This capability was used to capture NGC 3810’s 2022 supernova in this image.

In fact, type Ia supernovae are among the most accurate tools for measuring cosmic distances due to their brightness. However, astronomers also use other methods to verify measurements or to gauge distances at closer or farther ranges.

A reliable technique for measuring galactic distances involves comparing a galaxy’s rotation speed to its brightness.

This method, which applies to various celestial objects, including galaxies, has been employed to determine the distance of NGC 3810.

Based on the data obtained through this approach, scientists have calculated that NGC 3810 is situated approximately 50 million light-years away from Earth. This measurement provides valuable information for astronomers studying the structure and distribution of galaxies in our universe.

Written by Eddie Gonzales  Jr. – MessageToEagle.com Staff Writer