Earth & Sky

Supernova explosions in our accelerating universe

This is an artist's illustration of supernova 2006gy, previously the brightest and most energetic stellar explosion ever recorded until the current finding of SN2005ap. Image credit: NASA/CXC/M.Weiss

The most intense explosions known anywhere in the universe come from exploding stars called supernovae.

EarthSky’s Jorge Salazar spoke with astronomer J. Craig Wheeler at the University of Texas at Austin. Wheeler talked about how scientist’s understanding of supernova explosions lies at the cutting edge of astrophysics. What’s more, Wheeler talked about evidence showing that the universe is actually accelerating.

Written by Jorge Salazar

3 Comments for Supernova explosions in our accelerating universe

1. 1

   Oct 22, 11:23 AM #

   joe_robison@upland.k12.ca.us says:

   Where the heck is the article?

2. 2

   Oct 22, 12:10 PM #

   Gary says:

   “ Read or Listen to the biggest star explosions ever “ Did you bother to click on that Joe ?

3. 3

   Oct 22, 07:54 PM #

   Bob says:

   Supernovae can blast objects 30000 km per seccond. Thats about 10 % of the speed of light. I think we should xplode a hydrogen bomb in space so that it propels a space craft pretty fast. I wonder if it is possible,