Researchers at the Weizmann Institute of Science have achieved a significant breakthrough in understanding supernovae, the stellar explosions that have puzzled humanity for millennia. For the first time, scientists, led by Prof. Avishay Gal-Yam and his team, including PhD students Erez Zimmerman and Ido Irani, have observed a supernova in real-time as it unfolded in a neighboring galaxy, Messier 101. Their findings, published in Nature, offer unprecedented insights into the conditions leading up to a star’s explosive end.
Traditionally, studying supernovae has been akin to arriving at a crime scene long after the incident, with only remnants to piece together what occurred. However, this research marked a departure from the norm by observing the phenomenon as it happened, thanks to a fortunate alignment of circumstances and the use of the Hubble Space Telescope.
The team’s diligent efforts and a bit of serendipity allowed them to capture crucial data during the critical moments of a red supergiant star’s transformation into a supernova. This data, combined with records from NASA’s archives, provided a comprehensive view of the star’s final days and the ensuing explosion, creating the most complete portrait of a supernova to date.
Their analysis suggests the formation of a black hole from the missing mass of the exploded star, a hypothesis that could shed light on the fate of matter in such cataclysmic events. This study not only advances our understanding of the life cycle of stars but also highlights the intricate processes that contribute to the universe’s evolution.
The research, supported by notable foundations and institutions, underscores the Weizmann Institute’s leading role in space and optics research. As the supernova’s aftermath continues to unfold, further discoveries may yet deepen our comprehension of the cosmos and our place within it.–Web Desk