X-ray images from the Chandra X-ray Observatory have allowed astronomers to confirm that oxygen in the universe is largely formed in massive stars. Therefore, everyone should thank such supernova remnants (SNRs), which contain enough oxygen for thousands of solar systems.

By their very nature, supernova remnants, the traces left behind by exploding stars, are crucial for understanding our galaxy. If there were no SNRs, the Earth, plants, animals or humans would not exist. This is because all elements heavier than iron can only be formed during a supernova explosion, so the only reason these elements exist on Earth, in our solar system or in any other planetary system is because they were created in a supernova explosion.

In this image, data from NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory are shown in shades of blue and purple, while optical data from NASA's Hubble Telescope and the Very Large Telescope in Chile are shown in red and green.

Image description:

The darkness of space is almost obscured by the array of objects in this image. Stars of different sizes are scattered around, with a blue and red gas bubble in the center. A pink and green field occupies the lower right corner.

 

Credit: X-ray (NASA/CXC/ESO/F.Vogt et al); Optical (ESO/VLT/MUSE), Optical (NASA/STScI)