How the elements are made The manufacture of all the elements of the periodic table is the result of nucleosynthesis within stars, successively heavier elements are created by combining the atoms that form the nuclei of lighter elements. The most abundant element in the observable Universe is Hydrogen, which occurs in […]
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Black Holes – The end of Space-Time Jim, but only as we know it!
Black holes are some of the most enigmatic but fascinating objects in the Universe. They appear to be the final chapter in the life of massive stars, packing material in so densely that the gravitational field is so strong that electromagnetic radiation (light to you and me) cannot escape. The […]
Supernova Classifications
The story of Betelgeuse has kicked things off, so it seems appropriate to discuss Supernova. I am sure if I asked the question; “What is a Supernova“ Most would answer the obvious, “An old star exploding at the end of it’s life“ Whilst true, it is also not accurate either. […]
The Most likely Naked Eye Supernova
ETA Carina. (10h 45m 03.591s / −59° 41′ 04.26″) It is believed that before Western Sailors ventured south enough to see Eta Carina, once called Eta Argus, that is was the brightest star in the sky as seen from Earth, perhaps as bright as magnitude -4.3, however, since it was […]
Betelgeuse, and the story of a Supernova
There has been quite a bit of discussion of late regarding the dimming of the star α Orionis (Alpha Orionis) or commonly known as Betelgeuse. Betelgeuse is a semi-regular variable Supergiant Star that is located to the upper right of the attached Hertzsprung-Russel diagram. It is classified as spectral class M1-M 2-1a […]