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Summary: A new sounding rocket mission called INFUSE is set to launch from the White Sands Missile Range in New Mexico to study the Cygnus Loop supernova remnants. This unique mission combines imaging and spectroscopy to unravel the mysteries of explosive stellar deaths and their role in the creation of new celestial bodies. The Cygnus Loop, also known as the Veil Nebula, is the remnants of a star that collapsed and erupted into a supernova approximately 20,000 years ago. INFUSE aims to understand the dynamics of the supernova and how it impacts the formation of galaxies. By observing the shock front created by the blast wave, INFUSE will provide valuable insights into the energy transfer and collision between the supernova and cold gas in the Milky Way. The instrument used in this mission, INFUSE, is the first integral field spectrograph to be flown into space, combining the strengths of both imaging and spectroscopy to create a comprehensive understanding of the celestial phenomena being studied.

The Cygnus Loop, also known as the Veil Nebula, is a remarkable celestial phenomenon located within the constellation Cygnus. It is the remnants of a star that was once 20 times the size of our Sun. Approximately 20,000 years ago, this massive star collapsed under its own gravity and exploded into a supernova. The resulting blast was so bright that it would have been visible during the daytime from Earth, despite being 2,600 light-years away.

Supernovae like the one that created the Cygnus Loop play a crucial role in the formation of galaxies. These celestial explosions distribute heavy metals forged in a star’s core into the surrounding dust and gas clouds. The elements created in supernovae are responsible for the composition of our universe, including the elements that make up our bodies. Furthermore, the remnants of supernovae serve as building blocks for new star systems and planets.

The Cygnus Loop provides a unique opportunity for scientists to observe an ongoing supernova blast. This massive cloud, which measures over 120 light-years across, is still expanding at an astounding speed of approximately 930,000 miles per hour. While the blast wave itself is not visible, the dust and gas superheated by the shock front create a luminous glow as they cool down.

To study the shock front and gain insights into the energy transfer between the supernova and the gases in the Milky Way, the INFUSE mission has been developed. INFUSE stands for Integral Field Ultraviolet Spectroscopic Experiment, and it is a sounding rocket mission equipped with a pioneering instrument that combines imaging and spectroscopy capabilities. This instrument is able to measure far-ultraviolet light, which reveals the gas temperatures ranging from 90,000 to 540,000 degrees Fahrenheit (50,000 to 300,000 degrees Celsius).

INFUSE captures images and breaks them down into slices, which are then aligned to create a larger field of view. The spectrometer component of the instrument separates the light into its component wavelengths, providing valuable information about the light source’s composition, temperature, and motion. By utilizing this innovative technology, the INFUSE mission aims to create a comprehensive 3-dimensional image, known as a “data cube,” that will contribute to a deeper understanding of supernova dynamics and their impact on the formation of celestial bodies.

Sources:
– NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope
– University of Colorado Boulder

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