A magnetar powers a superluminous supernova (IMAGE)

University of California - Berkeley

A magnetar powers a superluminous supernova

Caption

Artist’s conception of a magnetar surrounded by an accretion disk that is wobbling, or precessing, because of the effects of general relativity. Some models of magnetars suggest that high-speed jets of charged particles emanate from the magnetar along its rotation axis.

Credit

Joseph Farah and Curtis McCully, Las Cumbres Observatory

Usage Restrictions

none

License

Original content

Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.