Small white dwarf at left pulls gas in a spiral pattern from a larger star at right

Stellar Science

Radio Waves Unveil Supernova Origin

Astronomers have observed an unusual supernova, in which a helium star fed a white dwarf until it exploded.

Illustration of helium escaping exoplanet HAT-P-11b

Astronomy & Observing News

60-Second Astro News: Helium Exoplanets and a Supernova Surprise

This week in astronomy news: Inflated helium atmospheres surround two exoplanets, and the Kepler Space Telescope captures the moments around a supernova that hint at a companion star triggering the explosion.

Bright Supernova Beckons

Celestial News & Events

Bright Supernova Erupts in NGC 5643 in Lupus

A recently discovered supernova in Lupus now shines around magnitude +11.5, bright enough to see in a modest telescope. With photos and maps, we'll get you there. I wished I lived in Georgia and not just for the peach trees and warmer weather. No, I'd be able to get up early…

exploding white dwarf surrounds star

Stellar Science

Supernova, Two Ways

Two new studies confirm that the white dwarfs that explode as Type Ia supernovae can approach death in two different ways.

Cosmology

Mysteriously Bright Supernova Explained

In 2010, a mysteriously bright supernova appeared, later sparking a debate within the astronomy community. But new images of the now-faded supernova reveal an intervening — and until now invisible — cosmic lens, which magnified its light.

New type of supernova

Stellar Science

A New Type of Supernova

Astronomers have discovered a new supernova class where the star might survive the explosion.