These meticulous record keepers documented the appearance of a "guest star" in the constellation Cassiopeia. This brilliant new star, visible for 185 days, was unlike anything they had ever seen. Only a handful of such supernovae have been documented throughout history, making SNR 1181 a valuable link to our past and a window into the life and death of stars.
Pinpointing the exact remnant of the 1181 supernova wasn't a simple task. Initially, astronomers linked it to a known object called 3C 58. However, this remnant didn't quite fit the bill. It was simply too old for the recorded date of the supernova.
In 2013, a new contender emerged: Pa 30. This unique nebula surrounding a peculiar star seemed to have all the right characteristics. Further investigation, including a re-examination of historical records, pointed towards Pa 30 being the true echo of the 1181 supernova.
The identification of Pa 30 as SNR 1181 is significant for a few reasons. It allows us to study a well-documented historical supernova with modern tools. Additionally, the fading central star of Pa 30 provides clues about the type of supernova and the explosion mechanism itself.
Understanding SNR 1181 deepens our knowledge of stellar evolution and the dramatic transformations stars undergo at the end of their lives. It's a testament to the enduring power of astronomical observations, both old and new, to help us piece together the grand story of the universe.