Double Detonation: Unearthing the Cosmic Secrets of Type Ia Supernova
Scientists have obtained photographic evidence of a double-detonation Type Ia supernova for the first time. This rare cosmic event involved a white dwarf that siphoned helium from a companion star, causing back-to-back explosions. The findings were made using the European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope in Chile.
A groundbreaking observation has provided the first photographic evidence of a rare double-detonation Type Ia supernova. This celestial event involved a white dwarf star, effectively obliterated in an explosion triggered by a complex interplay with a closely orbiting companion star. The landmark discovery was facilitated by the European Southern Observatory's Very Large Telescope in Chile.
In this cosmic spectacle, the white dwarf siphoned helium from its companion. The resulting detonation initiated a chain reaction, causing a shockwave that triggered a second explosion. Researchers captured the scene about 300 years after the occurrence, revealing two concentric shells of calcium expanding outward.
This monumental finding provides the 'smoking-gun evidence' of the phenomenon, enhancing our understanding of galactic chemical evolution. Besides its scientific significance, the image exemplifies cosmic beauty, displaying the birth of elements like calcium, sulfur, and iron in the star's demise, enriching our knowledge of the universe's lifecycle.
(With inputs from agencies.)
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