Thirty years ago, the stunning explosion of Supernova 1987A captivated astronomers, shining brighter than 100 million suns for months. The closest supernova observed in centuries, SN 1987A offers a rare opportunity to study the phases of a star’s demise. Recent images and data reveal that the supernova shock wave has surpassed a critical point, now moving past its dense gas ring. SN 1987A may even lead to the formation of new stars and planets, enriching the universe with essential elements. Ongoing studies with advanced telescopes like Hubble, Chandra, and ALMA continue to unveil the secrets of this celestial spectacle.
https://science.nasa.gov/missions/chandra/the-dawn-of-a-new-era-for-supernova-1987a/