We watched a red supergiant explode to ordinary type II supernova

In summary, the first suspicious activity of SN 2020tlf, a red supergiant star in the NGC 5731 galaxy, was noted 130 days prior to its supernova event. This discovery was made by lead study author Wynn Jacobson-Galán, a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellow at University of California, Berkeley. It is considered a breakthrough in understanding the final moments of massive stars before their death. A time-lapse video of the star's death was captured and can be viewed in the provided articles.
  • #1
Tom.G
Science Advisor
Gold Member
5,235
4,056
First suspicious activity of SN 2020tlf (in the NGC 5731 galaxy) was noted 130 days prior, which prompted astronomers to keep an eye on it.

"This is a breakthrough in our understanding of what massive stars do moments before they die," said lead study author Wynn Jacobson-Galán, a National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellow at University of California, Berkeley, in a statement.

Popular version:
https://www.cnn.com/2022/01/06/world/red-supergiant-star-supernova-scn/index.html

Technical report in "The Astrophysical Journal":
https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.3847/1538-4357/ac3f3a

EDIT: See more in post #3 below.

Cheers,
Tom
 
Last edited:
  • Like
  • Informative
Likes collinsmark, Astronuc, sophiecentaur and 9 others
Astronomy news on Phys.org
  • #2
HA HA this was almost eclipsed by that old prima donna JST. We have to be thankful that someone was still running the shop whilst we were all focussed on L2.
 
  • Like
Likes Tom.G
  • #4
Wonder what exactly it was doing before the superno a. All i read was "broght radiation".
 

1. What is a red supergiant?

A red supergiant is a type of star that is very large and bright, with a diameter that can be hundreds of times larger than our sun. These stars are near the end of their lives and are in the final stages of fusion, where they are burning the heaviest elements in their cores.

2. How does a red supergiant explode into a type II supernova?

When a red supergiant runs out of fuel, it can no longer support its own weight and collapses in on itself. This causes a massive explosion known as a supernova. The explosion is so powerful that it can be seen from millions of light years away.

3. What is the significance of watching a red supergiant explode to an ordinary type II supernova?

This event is significant because it allows scientists to study the process of a supernova in real time. It can provide valuable insights into the life cycle of stars and help us better understand the universe.

4. How is a type II supernova different from other types of supernovae?

A type II supernova is caused by the collapse of a massive star, while other types of supernovae can be caused by different processes, such as the collision of two white dwarf stars. Type II supernovae also have a specific spectral signature that distinguishes them from other types.

5. What can we learn from studying a red supergiant exploding into a type II supernova?

Studying this event can provide valuable information about the elements and materials that are created and dispersed during a supernova explosion. It can also help us understand the conditions necessary for life to form in the universe.

Hot Threads

Recent Insights

Back
Top