Hubble Goes Supernova Hunting
NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope is on the hunt for supernovae, the brilliant explosions of massive stars. Supernovae are essential to understanding the evolution of galaxies and the chemical composition of the universe.
“Supernovae are the universe’s fireworks,” said Adam Riess, a Nobel laureate in physics and a professor at the Space Telescope Science Institute in Baltimore, Maryland. “They’re incredibly bright and can be seen across vast distances. By studying supernovae, we can learn about the history and fate of stars and galaxies.”
Hubble is uniquely suited for supernova hunting. Its sharp optics and powerful instruments allow it to detect supernovae that are too faint or too far away for other telescopes to see. Hubble can also measure the brightness and color of supernovae, which helps astronomers determine their distance and the type of star that exploded.
In a recent study, Riess and his team used Hubble to search for supernovae in a patch of sky near the constellation Ursa Major. They found 10 supernovae, including one that was so bright that it could be seen with the naked eye from Earth.
The team’s findings provide new insights into the frequency and properties of supernovae. They found that supernovae are more common than previously thought, and that they come in a variety of types. This information will help astronomers better understand the role of supernovae in the evolution of the universe.
“Hubble is a powerful tool for supernova hunting,” said Riess. “With its sharp optics and powerful instruments, Hubble can detect supernovae that are too faint or too far away for other telescopes to see. This information is essential for understanding the evolution of galaxies and the chemical composition of the universe.”
Hubble’s supernova hunting campaign is ongoing. The telescope is expected to continue finding new supernovae for years to come, providing astronomers with valuable insights into the birth and death of stars.
Hubble Goes Supernova Hunting
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