Scientists mapped the shape of a supernova for the first time ever – and it's not what we expected: Space photo of the week

Live ScienceSunday, November 30, 2025 at 11:00:00 AM
NeutralScience
Scientists mapped the shape of a supernova for the first time ever – and it's not what we expected: Space photo of the week
  • Astronomers utilizing the Very Large Telescope (VLT) have for the first time mapped the shape of a supernova, revealing that its initial breakout phase is elongated rather than spherical. This groundbreaking observation challenges previous assumptions about supernova morphology and enhances understanding of these cosmic events.
  • This discovery is significant as it provides new insights into the dynamics of supernova explosions, which are crucial for understanding stellar evolution and the lifecycle of stars. The findings may influence future research and observational strategies in astrophysics.
  • The elongated shape of the supernova aligns with recent observations of other stellar phenomena, including the detection of a red supergiant star poised to explode and the rapid evolution of newborn supernovae. These developments highlight ongoing efforts to unravel the complexities of stellar deaths and the mechanisms behind supernova explosions.
— via World Pulse Now AI Editorial System

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