First-ever evidence of star ‘double detonation’ captured in stunning image

For the first time, astronomers captured amazing visual evidence of a double star to death.
The twin eruption was discovered by scientists studying two concentric calcium rings surrounding the SN 0509-67.5, a rest of a star which encountered its explosive disappearance in an IA type IA type centuries ago.
And discovery is not only a nice image. Researchers who have made say that a large part of our knowledge of how the universe is developing – A major controversy in cosmology – It depends on the measure reliably on this type of supernova, which is also the main source of iron throughout the cosmos. Scientists published their conclusions on July 2 in the journal Natural astronomy.
For these reasons, “the explosions of white dwarfs play a crucial role in astronomy”, the study of the first author Priyam DasA student graduated from the University of New Wales in South Canberra in Australia, said in a press release. “However, despite their importance, the long -standing puzzle of the exact mechanism triggering their explosion is not resolved.”
IA supernovas occur when the material of a star is stolen by the ball of a deadly co-orbitant star, known as white dwarf, leading to a gigantic thermonuclear explosion.
However, all the ways that white dwarfs explode. Astronomers assume that these white dwarfs regularly tear the equipment from their neighboring star, accumulating it until they reach a critical mass – the Chandrasekhar limit – and explode. But astronomers have found clues suggesting that this is not the only way to explode.
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To seek direct evidence of a different detonation ype, the researchers pointed out the very large telescope of the Southern European Observatory at the SN 0509-67.5, a supernova which displays a clear shock wave shell pattern. Using the multiple spectroscopic explorer instrument of the telescope, they found two distinct rings of calcium surrounding the remains of the explosion.
It is “a clear indication that white dwarfs can explode long before reaching the famous Chandrasekhar mass limit, and that the” double detonation “mechanism occurs in the wild” Ivo SeitenzahlA nuclear astrophysicist from the University of New Wales in South Canberra, in the press release.
The researchers propose that this white dwarf exploded by hiding in helium stolen from its neighbor who then ignited, sending an inward shock wave which exploded the core of the dead star in a second, greater explosion.
The study of this double detonation could have important implications for our broader understanding of the universe. Whatever way they occur, we think that IA supernovas always explode with the same brightness, making them “standard candles” from which astronomers can measure distant distances and calculate the expansion rate of our universe.
In recent years, the challenge of the measures of this expansion rate, known as Hubble Constant, have triggered a major crisis in cosmology.
“This tangible proof of a double detonation contributes not only to the resolution of a longtime mystery, but also offers a visual show,” said Das. “Revalving the internal functioning of such a spectacular cosmic explosion is incredibly enriching.”