2 Supernova Remnants Accelerate Protons to Near the Speed of Light (VIDEO)

NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center

Caption

The husks of exploded stars give rise to some of the fastest particles in the cosmos. New findings by NASA's Fermi show that two supernova remnants accelerate protons to near the speed of light. These protons interact with nearby interstellar gas clouds, which then emit gamma rays.

Credit

NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center

Usage Restrictions

None

License

Licensed 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.