Hypernova release two huge jets of gamma rays

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around hypernovae, specifically their formation, the gamma rays they emit, and the implications of these gamma rays for understanding cosmic history, including the "Cosmic Dark Age." Participants express varying levels of understanding and seek clarification on these concepts.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant notes uncertainty about how hypernovae are formed and the nature of the gamma rays they release.
  • Another participant describes hypernovae as resulting from the collapse of hypergiant stars, releasing gamma ray bursts with significant energy, potentially linked to historical extinction events.
  • A reference to a show called "The Death Star" suggests that gamma ray bursts can be used to trace back to the "Cosmic Dark Age," prompting questions about what this means.
  • Further clarification is provided regarding the Cosmic Dark Age, indicating it was a period before the formation of stars when the universe was dark, and linking it to the formation of hyper stars and their eventual hypernovae.
  • Participants seek clarification on the terminology used, specifically regarding the distinction between hypernovae and the gamma ray jets they produce.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express varying degrees of understanding and uncertainty about the formation of hypernovae and the implications of gamma ray bursts. There is no consensus on the details of these processes or their historical significance.

Contextual Notes

Some claims about the historical impact of gamma ray bursts on extinction events and the specifics of the Cosmic Dark Age remain speculative and are not universally accepted among participants.

Who May Find This Useful

This discussion may be of interest to those exploring astrophysics, stellar evolution, and the historical implications of cosmic events.

randeezy
I know that a Hypernova release two huge jets of gamma rays, but I'm not real sure on how they are formed. Also it was mentioned that by following the burst of gamma rays, we're looking back in time. How is this actually possible. I have a shaky grasp on the idea.
 
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A hypernova is formed the same way as a supernova, its formed when a star known as a hypergiant at the end of its life collapses in and releases exeptionally bright gamma ray bursts that have the energy of a 100 supernovae.

One theory says that these gamma ray bursts from the collapse of such a big star are so powerful that they may have caused a world wide extincition 440 million years ago that killed 70% of marine animals.

Hope this helps.
 


The show that mentioned the Hypernova was "The Death Star". It said that using these gamma ray bursts as a lifeline, we could follow them back the the "Cosmic Dark Age". What does this mean?
 


Im pretty unsure what it meant by Death star though it may be something to do with it the extinction 440 million years ago, but the cosmic dark age happened at the beginning of the universe it was the time between when the universe cooled and when the first stars were formed meaning that at this time the universe was completely dark. I think the reason why it says about using a hypernovas gamma ray bursts lifeline is because at this early time there would have formed hyper stars and because these stars are so big they burn up fuel and die quicker. So the gamma ray bursts caused by these hypernova collapses in the early universe may be seen today and could be tell us about the conditions of the universe just when the dark age began to end.
 


Ok. Cool. Thanks.
 


randeezy said:
I know that a Hypernova release two huge jets of gamma rays, but I'm not real sure on how they are formed.
Can you clarify 'they'?

Are you asking how the hypernovae are formed, or how the gamma ray jets are formed?
 


DaveC426913 said:
Can you clarify 'they'?

Are you asking how the hypernovae are formed, or how the gamma ray jets are formed?

"They" = Hypernovae - for clarification...
 

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