Detonating Supernova (IMAGE)

University of Chicago

Detonating Supernova

Caption

A snapshot of a Type Ia supernova simulation taken very shortly after the moment of detonation. The energy released during the detonation is equivalent to 1,027 hydrogen bombs, each equivalent to 100 megatons of TNT. This tremendous energy release makes Type Ia supernovae some of the most intrinsically luminous explosions in the universe, and therefore useful as distance indicators for cosmology.

Credit

DOE NNSA ASC/Alliance Flash Center at the Univ. of Chicago.

Usage Restrictions

This image may be used in news reports describing research at the University of Chicago Flash Center.

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.