NASA Telescopes Unravel Mystery of 'Green Monster' in Supernova Remnant

Combined data from James Webb Space Telescope and Chandra X-ray Observatory reveal unprecedented detail of Cassiopeia A, including unusual 'Green Monster' structure.

NASA's James Webb Space Telescope and Chandra X-ray Observatory have combined data to study the supernova remnant Cassiopeia A, revealing an unusual structure called the 'Green Monster'.
The 'Green Monster', first spotted in 2023, is a wisp of green light within the remnants of the exploded star, and is now understood to be a blast wave from the star's explosion hitting surrounding material.
The combined data from the telescopes has allowed astronomers to access unprecedented detail of the supernova remnant, including a 'web-like network' of debris from the star's collapse.
The 'Green Monster' is not part of the central part of Cassiopeia A, but is 'photobombing' it, according to study co-author Ilse De Looze.
Future studies of the 'Green Monster' and its mysterious round holes could reveal more about the nature of the star before it exploded.