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Cosmic Explosions
MARCH 2007
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Explosions in Space
What happens when a massive star dies? These simulations, modeled by scientists using supercomputers, illustrate the phenomena of core-collapse supernovas, gamma-ray bursts, and turbulent flow—a realm of fluid motion never before considered.
Core-collapse Supernova
When the most massive stars run out of fuel, the core collapses, then almost instantaneously rebound in an explosion that destroys the star.
Gamma-ray Burst
A superheated jet of plasma—the last gasp of a dying star—fires through the massive star and into space at nearly the speed of light, releasing a burst of gamma rays.
The Last Blast
The blast expands outward as it penetrates the star, and the shock wave encompasses more star material. The black hole that produces the jet will also explode the star.
Ultra-hot Turbulent Gas
Illustrated in the form of a box, this 3-D simulation shows how ultra-hot gas behaves as it is stirred up violently when, for example, a massive star explodes. The gas is so extremely hot that its heat energy exceeds the huge amount of energy stored in its mass. The gas is also moving around chaotically, as in a tempestuous wind, but traveling at nearly the speed of light. Under these conditions, Einstein's Theory of Relativity predicts strange effects such as the contraction of space and the slowing of time, both of which are important effects in this simulation.
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