NASA’s Chandra X-ray Observatory is revealing unexpected changes in the brightness of supernova remnants in the nearby galaxy Messier 83 (M83). Observations target the aftermath of supernova explosions, which typically appear as hot gas that fades gradually over time. Instead, Chandra data show that a population of supernova remnants in M83 undergoes dramatic, rapid brightness variations. The findings indicate that these remnants are “flickering,” suggesting that processes affecting the X-ray emission evolve on timescales not expected for steadily dimming debris.
The results are based on long-term monitoring, spanning roughly 14 years, according to one report. The research team presents the findings at the American Astronomical Society meeting in Pasadena, California, and the study is published in *The Astrophysical Journal*.
Together, the sources describe the key observational outcome—time-variable X-ray brightness from multiple supernova remnants in M83—and highlight the contrast with the usual picture of slowly fading supernova debris clouds.
