Scientists from the University of Liverpool have developed an “early warning” system that tells
In a study published in MonthlyNotices from the Royal Astronomical Society, astrophysicists have analyzed massive stars (usually between 8 and 20 solar masses) in their last phase of life, the red supergiant stage. The analysis showed that the accumulation of material around the star causes it to darken shortly before the explosion.
Until now, it was not known how long it took the star to form this surrounding "cocoon". Scientists have modeled for the first time what red supergiants would look like shortly before the explosion.
Analysis of observational data on existingsupernova showed that about a year before the explosion, the appearance of the star does not differ from the norm. This means that the "cocoon" is formed in just a few months, the authors of the study say. This is extremely fast by astronomical standards.
The dense material almost completely covers the star, making it 100 times fainter in the visible part of the spectrum. This means that the day before the explosion, you most likely will not be able to see that there was a star.
Benjamin Davis, researcher at Liverpool John Moores University and co-author of the paper
Scientists believe that using the new method, it is possible to prepare in advance for the study of a supernova and observe it in real time, and not just based on the consequences of the explosion.
Read more:
Created a compact nuclear reactor for safe energy production
Unusual structures found on the edge of the solar system. Only the Voyagers have been there.
Black hole 'spit out' torn star three years after swallowing
On the cover: Artistic illustration of a supernova explosion. Image: European Southern Observatory/L. Calcada