Why is it in News?
→ A study reported the possible discovery of a rare cosmic explosion termed a superkilonova.
→ The research involved scientists from IIT Bombay and Indian Institute of Astrophysics.
Important Points
- Possible discovery of a superkilonova has been reported.
- Study involved IIT Bombay and Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Bengaluru.
- A kilonova occurs when two neutron stars collide.
- Kilonova ejects heavy radioactive elements like gold and platinum.
- Superkilonova begins with a supernova explosion.
- Superkilonova forms two neutron stars instead of one.
- It produces both supernova and kilonova signatures.
- Superkilonova emits intense gravitational waves.
- It produces a powerful electromagnetic blast.
- Superkilonovae are brighter and longer-lasting than normal kilonovae.
- Superkilonovae are still an observationally emerging class of events.