Astronomers have watched a supernova change its identity in real-time
Sandeep K S
1 day ago
1 min read
The infographic illustrates SN 2021ukt, a groundbreaking supernova that underwent a first-of-its-kind identity transition. Initially a Type IIn, it transformed into a Type Ib as its ejecta interacted with a dense hydrogen cloud. This significant shift marks a new understanding in supernova classification, emphasizing the unique nature of the progenitor star and its hydrogen envelope.
Astronomers have found the chemical fingerprints of the first "Monster Stars"—titans 10,000 times the mass of the Sun—solving the mystery of supermassive black holes.
How do you get so much nitrogen? The answer lies inside stars weighing 10,000 times the mass of the Sun.
In these titans, the core is so hot that the CNO Cycle (Carbon-Nitrogen-Oxygen) goes into overdrive.
Astronomers have watched a supernova change its identity in real-time, transitioning from Type IIn to Type Ib for the first time in history.
Normally, supernovae are classified early and stay that way. SN 2021ukt broke the rules.
Why does the Milky Way have two distinct populations of stars? New simulations reveal the turbulent chemical history of our home galaxy.
Researchers from ICCUB and CNRS used the Auriga simulations to create 30 virtual galaxies. They wanted to see what cosmic events cause this chemical split.
The Surprise: There isn't just one way to build a Milky Way. The study found multiple paths to the same outcome:
Comments