Exploded stars · 2020

Supernova 1987A

The nearest modern supernova

In 1987 a star exploded in a neighboring galaxy — close enough, and recent enough, that telescopes have watched the blast unfold in our lifetime.

What you’re hearing

X-ray and visible light take turns as the scan crosses the ring of debris. Brighter shock-heated gas is louder.

Layers

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NASA/CXC/SAO/K. Arcand, SYSTEM Sounds (M. Russo, A. Santaguida)

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