SNR 0509-67.5, calcium in blue, is seen in two concentric shells, indicating a double detonation. (Image credit: ESO/P. Das et al. Background stars (Hubble): K. Noll et al.)
For the first time, astronomers have obtained dramatic visual evidence of a star exploding twice.
The double eruption was discovered by scientists examining two concentric rings of calcium surrounding SNR 0509-67.5, the remnant of a star that experienced a Type Ia supernova explosion centuries ago.
The discovery is more than just a pretty picture. The researchers who made it say much of our knowledge of how the universe is expanding — a central question in cosmology — depends on accurately measuring this type of supernova, which is also an important source of iron in space. The scientists published their findings July 2 in the journal Nature Astronomy.
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