
A supernova just exploded, releasing its energy
Astronomers say they have witnessed a stellar explosion - or supernova - unfolding in real time.
Supernovae occur when a huge, mature star effectively runs out of fuel and collapses in on itself.The star flared up suddenly last February, briefly becoming 1,000 times brighter than normal.
RS Ophiuchi is close to destroying itself in a nuclear explosion called a type 1a supernova
Their observations, outlined in the journal Nature, offer the most detailed picture yet of these cosmic explosions.
An initial release of energy from the star was picked up by the US Swift satellite in February, allowing experts to train their telescopes on the event.
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