This is the first time astronomers have observed a red supergiant star reaching the end of its life. And it's shown us some gaps in our understanding.
on Maunakea, Hawaii Island. Their observations were part of the Young Supernova Experiment transient survey. They watched the supernova explosion, named SN 2020tlf, during the final 130 days leading up to its detonation.The title of the paper presenting the discovery is “
“This is a breakthrough in our understanding of what massive stars do moments before they die,” said Jacobson-Galán, in a “Keck was instrumental in providing direct evidence of a massive star transitioning into a supernova explosion,” said senior author Raffaella Margutti, an associate professor of astronomy at UC Berkeley. “It’s like watching a ticking time bomb. We’ve never confirmed such violent activity in a dying red supergiant star where we see it produce such a luminous emission, then collapse and combust, until now.
The team’s observations led to some new insight into Type II supernovae and their progenitor stars. Prior to these observations, nobody had seen a red supergiant display such a spike in luminosity and undergo such powerful eruptions before exploding. They were much more placid in their final days as if they accepted their fates.
The significant variability in the star leading up to collapse is puzzling. The powerful burst of light coming from the star prior to exploding suggests that something unknown happens in its internal structure. Whatever those changes are, they result in a mammoth ejection of gas before the star collapsed and exploded.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Watch a 476-Foot Superyacht Hit the Water for the First TimeThe epic vessel should be in action later this year.
Read more »
Mamoru Hosoda's Belle Releases First Three Minutes in New Clip: WatchBelle, the new major feature film from famed director Mamoru Hosoda, has released its first three [...]
Read more »
'Human Resources': Watch the First Teaser for the 'Big Mouth' SpinoffThe animated workplace comedy follows the creatures tasked with helping humanity navigate physical and emotional changes.
Read more »
Normani and Taraji P. Henson Get Sprayed For Not Slaying on ‘That’s My Jam’: WatchEntering the Doombox was singer Rita Ora and New Zealand filmmaker Taika Waititi, versus actor Taraji P. Henson and pop star Normani.
Read more »
Watch: Devin Booker Complains About Raptors Mascot's Antics in Fan-Less ArenaSuns star Devin Booker didn't appreciate the Raptors' mascot trying to distract him in a fan-less Scotiabank Arena.
Read more »
This Early Symptom is One You Should Watch for With Omicron, Breakthrough Infections RisingIf you’ve been exposed to someone with COVID and are watching for symptoms, what are some of the first signs you might be infected? With omicron cases rising, experts say these are some initial indicators to watch for.
Read more »