X-ray and Optical Images of Tycho’s Supernova Remnant

In these images of the Tycho supernova remnant, data from IXPE are shown with data from NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory, and optical data by the Digitized Sky Survey. The Tycho supernova is classified as a Type Ia. This violent explosion occurs when a white dwarf star in a binary system pulls material off its companion star until it reaches a mass limit, or when two white dwarfs merge. The obliteration of the white dwarf sends debris hurtling into space at tremendous speeds. Learn More: https://www.nasa.gov/missions/chandra/nasas-ixpe-unlocks-mysteries-of-historic-tycho-supernova/