Local Scientists Spot ‘Supernova of a Generation'

Supernova may be the most studied supernova in history, researchers say

Astronomers at UCSD helped to locate a supernova just as it was exploding using a telescope at the Palomar Observatory.

Astronomers from around California shared the groundbreaking data using UC San Diego’s High-Performance Wireless and Research Education Network (HPWREN), which allowed them to digitally send their observations across hundreds of miles.

UC Berkeley astronomer Joshua Bloom called the bright, self-destructing star “the supernova of a generation.” He added in a statement that this discovery will be a target for research for the next decade.

The discovery was made at the Palomar Observatory in San Diego. The data was sent to supercomputers at a laboratory in Berkeley.

Researchers credit the collaboration of California scientists for the discovery.

“It shows how effective scientific discovery can be when researchers combine their expertise,” said Hans-Werner Braun, HPWREN’s director in a statement.

The astronomers were delighted to have caught the supernova so soon after exploding, and are now watching it become even brighter.

“Observing [the supernova] unfold should be a wild ride. It is an instant cosmic classic,” said the Berkeley scientist who first spotted the supernova, Peter Nugent, in a statement.
 

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