Astronomers Discover Zombie Star SN 1181

Astronomers have uncovered a rare 'zombie' white dwarf star at the center of supernova remnants from SN 1181, which was first observed in 1181 by Chinese and Japanese astronomers. This extraordinary white dwarf survived a supernova explosion, a phenomenon classified as Type Iax, which typically obliterates such stars. Recent studies utilizing the Keck Cosmic Web Imager (KCWI) have allowed researchers to create a detailed 3D map of the supernova remnant, revealing filaments that resemble dandelion petals and indicating complex dynamics from the original explosion. The zombie star, located in the nebula Pa 30, reaches temperatures of approximately 360,000°F and emits strong stellar winds. This discovery, published in the Astrophysical Journal Letters, raises new questions about the behavior of white dwarfs during supernova events, challenging existing astronomical theories.