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Upcoming experiments may be able to probe their theory and shed light on the almost century old conundrum how do stars explode.

Details

• Scientists may soon find a clue to how stars explode due to neutrinos, one of the most abundant particles in the universe.
• These sub atomic particles are extremely difficult to detect because of their limited interactions with matter. 
• However, they are very important to the study of supernovas or powerful luminous stellar explosions, because they power the explosion and provide an early warning signal that allows scientists to look in the right direction before the supernova explosion takes place.

Supernova

A supernova is the explosion of a star. It is the largest explosion that takes place in space.

Where Do Supernovas Take Place?

• Supernovas are often seen in other galaxies. But supernovas are difficult to see in our own Milky Way galaxy because dust blocks our view.
• In 1604, Johannes Kepler discovered the last observed supernova in the Milky Way. NASA’s Chandra telescope discovered the  
• remains of a more recent supernova. It exploded in the Milky Way more than a hundred years ago.

Why Do Scientists Study Supernovas?

• A supernova burns for only a short period of time, but it can tell scientists a lot about the universe.
• One kind of supernova has shown scientists that we live in an expanding universe, one that is growing at an ever increasing rate.
• Scientists also have determined that supernovas play a key role in distributing elements throughout the universe.
• When the star explodes, it shoots elements and debris into space.
• Many of the elements we find here on Earth are made in the core of stars.
• These elements travel on to form new stars, planets and everything else in the universe.

Source: PIB