:strip_icc()/i.s3.glbimg.com/v1/AUTH_e536e40f1baf4c1a8bf1ed12d20577fd/internal_photos/bs/2023/a/n/xCmjAlStKabBRPxwIhmg/230448702-03e31c8f-b9bf-4c60-a2f4-8dc5ae311aa3.jpg "A space explosion 180 million light-years away baffles scientists Science and health")
Researchers from the University of Sheffield, UK, did a job New discovery referring to an explosion observed in space in 2018. It was located 180 million light-years from Earth, and it was Flatter a lot More than was thought possible – in general, these phenomena are spherical, similar to the stars themselves.
According to the “Daily Mail” newspaper, scientists initially hypothesized that the explosion was caused by a newly formed black hole or by the rotation of a neutron star. Now, however, experts believe that this phenomenon was fast blue optical transient (FBOT)an explosion so powerful that it glows blue.
- Signs of “other dimensions” in matter ejected by black holes
- Scientists have detected the brightest gamma-ray burst ever seen in space
Although it is not known exactly how FBOT explosions occur, the University of Sheffield team believe their findings could help solve part of the puzzle. One possible explanation for how the flat shape came about is that the star itself was surrounded by a dense disk. Another hypothesis is that the supernova failed. Supernovae are massive explosions that occur at the end of a star’s life.
“Very little is known about FBOT explosions – they don’t behave as supernovae should, they are very bright and they evolve very quickly,” said Justin Mond from the University of Sheffield’s Department of Physics and Astronomy. “Simply put, they are weird, and this new observation makes them even weirder. I hope this new discovery helps us shed more light on them – we never thought explosions could be nearly spherical.”
According to Maund, what is now known for certain is that “the levels of asymmetry recorded are a key part of understanding these mysterious outbursts and challenging our preconceptions about how stars explode in the universe.”
How did the discovery happen?
Scientists at the University of Sheffield made the discovery after detecting a flash of a specific wave of light called “polarized light”, and measuring the shape of the explosion.
This is according to the daily Mail, It allowed them to see that it looked like a very flat disk and was about the size of our solar system. Experts then used the data to reconstruct the shape of the explosion in 3D, allowing them to map its edges to see how flat it was.
They will now conduct new research with the Vera Rubin International Observatory in Chile in hopes of uncovering more FBOTs to advance their understanding.
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Charlotte Whitmore is a contributor at Mediarunsearch.co.uk, covering a broad range of topics including news, politics, business, technology, sport, entertainment, and lifestyle. She focuses on delivering clear, balanced reporting and practical information that helps readers stay informed about current events and emerging developments. Her work highlights stories that matter to everyday audiences, with an emphasis on accuracy, relevance, and accessible journalism that keeps readers connected to the issues shaping the UK and beyond.