JWST Analyzes the Closest Supernova of the Modern Era

The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) has examined SN 1987a, the closest supernova observed in the modern era, located in the Large Magellanic Cloud about 168,000 light-years away. JWST's observations reveal a turbulent keyhole structure and rich chemical interactions in the center of the supernova. However, the dense gas and dust prevent the observation of the remnant star, which should have formed a neutron star. The formation of neutron stars and their interaction with surrounding matter remains a mystery that requires further study. SN 1987a is likely the closest supernova we will be able to study for some time, unless Betelgeuse explodes in the near future.