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May 23, 2008
“We were in the right place, at the right time, with the right telescope and witnessed history” - Alicia Soderbergplay NewsHour video

For the first time, astronomers have observed the early stages of a supernova — a giant explosion marking the death of a massive star. From earth, instruments can’t detect the pre-birth x-rays just preceding the explosion but luckily, Dr. Alicia Soderberg was using an orbiting telescope and happened to be focusing on a nearby object. She noticed the short burst of x-rays and alerted others, allowing astronomers to study for the first time the entire “live birth” of a supernova. The huge star had just run out of nuclear fuel and imploded, blowing itself to bits with unimaginable force. Interestingly, this event actually occurred 88 million years ago. Harvard University astronomer and born educator, Robert Kirshner, enthusiastically describes the discovery in this 6 minute This video report.

This dramatic event and engaging video can illustrate useful concepts and provoke productive questions. For example, what does Kirshner mean when he says: “You are really star material!” Will our sun become a supernova someday? Who among your students wants to become an astronomer someday?

Below are web links related to this story

NewsHour Links
Analysis: Final Moments of Dying Star Studied by Scientists
Slide Show: Astronomers Glimpse First Moments of Supernova

Other Links
e! Science News: Supernova birth seen for first time
Alicia Soderberg Home Page
National Academy of Sciences: InterView with Robert Kirshner

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