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Category: cosmology – Page 366
Here’s a look at fast-moving jet material from the powerful gravity of a supermassive black hole when a star wandered just a little too close: https://go.nasa.gov/2FAO1XB #BlackHoleFriday
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When stars reach the end of their lifespan, many undergo gravitational collapse and explode into a supernova, In some cases, they collapse to become black holes and release a tremendous amount of energy in a short amount of time. These are what is known as gamma-ray bursts (GRBs), and they are one of the most powerful events in the known Universe.
Recently, an international team of astronomers was able to capture an image of a newly-discovered triple star system surrounded by a “pinwheel” of dust. This system, nicknamed “Apep”, is located roughly 8,000 light years from Earth and destined to become a long-duration GRB. In addition, it is the first of its kind to be discovered in our galaxy.
The study which describes the team’s findings was recently published in the scientific journal Nature. The team was led by Joseph R. Callingham, a postdoctoral fellow from the Netherlands Institute for Radio Astronomy (ASTRON), and included members from the Sydney Institute for Astronomy (SIfA), the Royal Observatory Edinburgh, the University of Sheffield and the University of New South Wales.
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It’s #BlackFriday, but we don’t do much shopping in space. Instead, join us for our 6th annual #BlackHoleFriday where we’ll share awesome images and facts about black holes! https://go.nasa.gov/2FB9qQD
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A star 8,000 light years from Earth is on the verge of a huge supernova explosion, which could produce the Milky Way’s first gamma-ray explosion, a dangerous and extremely energetic event.
Australian scientists at the University of Sydney discovered the rare ‘God of chaos’ star, which they say could produce the Milky Way’s first known gamma-ray burst, a lethal combination of dust and gas mixed with wind as fast as 12 million km/ph, which is one of the most extreme energetic events after the Big Bang.
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They all contain silica, a mineral that’s widespread on Earth and in space.
Using NASA’s Spitzer Space Telescope, researchers found that the material is produced by the massive explosions of stars. Details: https://go.nasa.gov/2r6Zq7P
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The life cycle of a neutron star
Posted in cosmology
With the power to unleash as much energy in 10 seconds as the Sun does in its entire lifetime, gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) are the most energetic events in the universe, second only to the Big Bang itself. Given how sudden they are, we don’t usually get any warning, but now astronomers have spotted the telltale signs of a star system that could blow its lid any moment – and it’s far too close to Earth for comfort.
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