Eight hundred years ago, specifically in 1181, an unusual star appeared in the sky, a "guest star" so bright that it remained visible for six months before fading into darkness. This phenomenon, recorded by Chinese and Japanese astronomers, became known as SN 1181. Today, researchers are uncovering new secrets about this ancient cosmic explosion, revealing intriguing and mysterious details.

Thanks to the powerful Keck Cosmic Web Imager in Hawaii, a team led by Tim Cunningham and Ilaria Caiazzo has created an impressive 3D map of the materials from SN 1181. At the center of the nebula lies an incredibly rare "zombie star," the resilient core of a white dwarf that somehow survived its own explosive end. Unlike typical supernovae that completely destroy white dwarfs, SN 1181 was a unique Type Iax supernova that only partially erupted, leaving this strange remnant behind.

Adding to the excitement, delicate filaments extend from the zombie star in a pattern reminiscent of dandelion tendrils, expanding outward at an astonishing speed of 1,000 kilometers per second. This precise velocity allowed researchers to trace the explosion back to 1181, correlating their findings with historical records from over eight centuries ago.

Moreover, the 3D map revealed that the remnant of SN 1181 has an asymmetrical shape, suggesting that the initial explosion was uneven. This peculiarity challenges existing models of stellar explosions and prompts new questions about the nature of supernovae.

"Our first detailed 3D characterization provides valuable insights into a unique cosmic event witnessed by our ancestors centuries ago," said Caiazzo. "However, it also raises new questions for astronomers to explore." As researchers delve deeper into the mysteries of SN 1181, this ancient explosion could change our understanding of stellar life cycles and the strange phenomena they leave behind. For now, SN 1181 serves as a brilliant reminder of the enduring mysteries of our universe, waiting for discovery, just as it did for those who observed it centuries ago.