Astronomers think they have found a rare, massive burst erupting from an extremely magnetic dead star, or magnetar, that was bright enough to illuminate an entire galaxy. If true, the discovery would mark the first time gamma rays have been observed from a “recently deceased” neutron star erupting outside the Milky Way. The eruption was … Read more
A neutron star is the remains of a massive star that once died during a supernova explosion. Overall, neutron stars are considered some of the most extreme objects in the known universe – and that’s especially true when these incredibly dense stellar remnants sit next to companion stars (that haven’t yet ‘died’) close enough to … Read more
Scientists may have discovered how a supernova relatively close to Earth became adorned with a remarkable “string of pearls” formation. Supernova 1987A (SN 1987A) represents the remnants of a massive cosmic explosion that ripped apart a massive star and left behind a neutron star surrounded by stellar material. It is located in a satellite galaxy … Read more
Using the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), astronomers have ended a nearly decade-long game of hide-and-seek in the sky after discovering a neutron star in the wreckage of a stellar explosion. Supernova 1987A represents the remains of an exploded star that once had a mass about 8 to 10 times that of the Sun. It … Read more
Astronomers have discovered a previously unknown source of cosmic dust. Why is it important to detect this dust? Well, these particles actually act as building blocks for stars. The international team found that such dust can be created by a type of cosmic explosion that occurs when a dead white dwarf star removes material from … Read more
Some of the largest, most intense regions of star formation are found in the smallest galaxies. Scientists think this is because stars that reach the end of their lives in so-called dwarf galaxies are more likely to turn into black holes rather than explode. supernovas. The contrast is so stark, the team says, that dwarf … Read more