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New evidence on the formation of the solar system

A new study published in Nature Communications presents evidence suggesting that a low-mass supernova played a crucial role in the formation of our solar system. The research team analyzed short-lived radioactive nuclei found in meteorites and discovered unique 'fingerprints' that point to a low-mass supernova as the trigger.

SourceMonash University·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 1, 2016

Surprising neutrino decoherence inside supernovae

A new study reveals that neutrinos produced in the core of a supernova are highly localized compared to all other known sources. Theoretical wave packet size is irrelevant in simpler cases, providing a more solid foundation for standard neutrino behavior theories.

SourceSpringer·JournalThe European Physical Journal C·DateJul 12, 2016

Supernova iron found on the moon

Researchers at TUM and USA colleagues have discovered unusually high concentrations of radioactive 60Fe in lunar samples from Apollo missions 12, 15 and 16. This evidence supports a supernova hypothesis, suggesting that one or more explosive events occurred close to our solar system approximately two million years ago.

SourceTechnical University of Munich (TUM)·JournalPhysical Review Letters·DateApr 14, 2016

Forged in the hearts of stars

A team from ASU and UNC aims to resolve uncertainties in the nuclear fusion process that creates elements forged by stars. They will investigate the range of elements produced by a star, including calcium and carbon, to determine their variation in output.

How do atoms alter during a supernova explosion?

Researchers from Osaka University successfully created highly unusual plasma composed of hollow atoms using ultra-bright X-ray sources. This discovery sheds light on extreme state atoms and may lead to industrial applications such as non-destructive x-ray testing and new material construction.

SourceOsaka University·JournalScientific Reports·DateSep 29, 2015

Rogue supernovas likely flung into space by black hole slingshots

A new study suggests that rogue supernovas that explode in deep space were likely kicked out of their galaxies at high speeds and then ejected into space by the gravitational pull of a binary black hole. The study, published in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, used data from NASA's Hubble Space Telescope to trace 13 h...

SourceUniversity of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, News Bureau·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateAug 13, 2015

Biggest explosions in the universe powered by strongest magnets

A study reveals that a massive star's collapse may power ultra-long gamma-ray bursts with the help of magnetars, rewriting our understanding of these cosmic events. Researchers observed a rare case where a supernova was linked to an ultra-long GRB, finding evidence of a magnetar at the source.

SourceESO·JournalNature·DateJul 8, 2015

Supernovas help 'clean' galaxies

Recent research found that supernovas work hand-in-hand with supermassive black holes to sweep out gas, interrupting star formation in galaxies. The partnership of these celestial events may help understand why massive galaxies stopped forming stars billions of years ago.

SourceMichigan State University·JournalThe Astrophysical Journal Letters·DateMay 26, 2015

Milky Way's center unveils supernova 'dust factory'

Researchers made direct observations of cosmic dust resulting from an ancient supernova at the Milky Way's center, supporting the theory that supernovae produce dust in galaxies of the early universe. The study provides new insights into the origins of dust, a crucial component in star and planet formation.

SourceCornell University·JournalScience·DateMar 19, 2015

Astronomers see star explode 4 times

Astronomers have observed a distant star exploding four times due to a massive galaxy cluster, providing a rare opportunity to test Albert Einstein's General Theory of Relativity. The discovery also offers clues about the strength of gravity, dark matter, and dark energy in the universe.

SourceAustralian National University·JournalScience·DateMar 5, 2015

An explosive quartet

Astronomers spot four images of a distant supernova in a massive galaxy cluster, bending light due to gravitational lensing. The discovery provides insights into dark matter's distribution and helps refine estimates of its amount.

SourceESA/Hubble Information Centre·JournalScience·DateMar 5, 2015

A jettisoned black hole?

Researchers have identified an enigmatic object named SDSS1133, which could be a recoiling black hole ejected from its parent galaxy. The discovery, made using high-precision equipment and observations with the Hubble Space Telescope, presents a unique opportunity to study gravitational waves and their detection.

SourceETH Zurich·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateNov 19, 2014

Lucky star escapes black hole with minor damage

Astronomers at Ohio State University have observed a star narrowly escaping capture by a supermassive black hole, releasing only a small portion of its mass. The event, known as a tidal disruption event (TDE), provides valuable insights into the growth and behavior of black holes in the universe.

SourceOhio State University·JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society·DateOct 23, 2014