The Mysterious Rings of Supernova 1987A . ... Credit Copyright: ( ESA / STScI ), HST , NASA Explanation: What's causing those odd rings in supernova 1987A? In 1987, the brightest supernova in recent history occurred in the Large Magellanic Clouds . At the center of the picture is an object central to the remains of the violent stellar explosion . ... The origins of these rings still remains a mystery. ... NASA Web Site Statements, Warnings, and Disclaimers . NASA Official: Jay Norris. ...