Astronomers have been able to capture and record the first moments when a massive star blows itself apart. After decades of searching, researchers have used the world's top telescopes to observe the remarkable event. Previously, scientists had only been able to study these "supernovas" several days after the event. The results, published in the journal Nature, show that within two hours of the blast, a giant fireball scattered radioactive debris across space.
Astronomers have been able to capture and record the first moments when a massive star blows itself apart.
After decades of searching, researchers have used the world's top telescopes to observe the remarkable event.
Previously, scientists had only been able to study these "supernovas" several days after the event.
The results, published in the journal Nature, show that within two hours of the blast, a giant fireball scattered radioactive debris across space.
Scientists witness death of a star - Telegraph
he death of a star has been witnessed as it occurred for the first time. Galaxies typically host a supernova - star death - only once or twice every century, making it nearly impossible to record one as it turns into a fleeting supernova that will shine brighter than billions of stars combined. The glimpse by a satellite of the spectacular outburst from the very beginning has allowed astronomers from around the world to quickly follow up with eight other orbiting and ground-based telescopes and collect a wealth of new information on what happens when a star explodes.
he death of a star has been witnessed as it occurred for the first time. Galaxies typically host a supernova - star death - only once or twice every century, making it nearly impossible to record one as it turns into a fleeting supernova that will shine brighter than billions of stars combined.
The glimpse by a satellite of the spectacular outburst from the very beginning has allowed astronomers from around the world to quickly follow up with eight other orbiting and ground-based telescopes and collect a wealth of new information on what happens when a star explodes.
In the original this morning it had more pictures.
