Brightest Supernova Discovered

Maggie McKee writes "Astronomers have spotted the brightest supernova ever seen — it is intrinsically two to three times brighter than any previously recorded. It has many characteristics of a type Ia explosion, but has hydrogen in its spectrum, unlike other type Ia's. That suggests that this supernova resulted from the collision of two stars — most likely a white dwarf and a red giant — rather than from an exploding white dwarf. If so, it might affect the interpretation of previous cosmological studies that depend on type Ia 'standard candle' observations, like dark energy. But other astronomers say merger-triggered explosions are probably rare and therefore won't throw a wrench in the works."

Comments

Re:That would make a great signal flare

[east coast]

If, hypothetically, you found yourself to have evolved first or to exist in an otherwise empty galaxy - then you might look for an easy way to get the attention of any civilizations in any other galaxies. If you could move a star (details, details) then this would be a good way to get yourself noticed.

Just to poke a hypothetical hole in your hypothetical civilization...

I think the real questions here is the evolution of technology by an alien culture. For what you've said to make sense this civilization would have to have the ability to guide stars in a significant fashion while not having the ability to do simple observance as we do today. IMHO that's just too far fetched.

Consider our own little planet here: we have a limited ability to detect solar systems and radio signals from a distance within our own galaxy. Yet, we do not have the ability to jump to the next semi-habitable planet and stay there on a permanent basis. It's fairly clear that our ability to observe the cosmos is much much better than our ability to [work within/live within/manipulate] anything outside of our own little sphere of mud and rock.

It's just a question of how a civilization could evolve in such a fashion as to be able to work with outer space but not be able to observe it beyond their own first-hand experience.

If I had the insight or imagination to figure this out into a workable model I'd be one hell of a science fiction writer.

Re:That would make a great signal flare

[MBGMorden]

You missed my point. The point is we can never, ever know how advanced our stuff is compared to theirs. We don't even know if there is a "there stuff". So yes if F-22's (not F-16's :D) are the most advanced thing we have nothing to worry about. But it don't matter if we got little intergalactic fighters with friggin laser beams attached to their friggin heads - if we haven't come into contact with another race yet then they could very well just swat them all like flies . . . . or they might come against them with F-16 level stuff.

My point is just - until we meet another race, we simply DON'T know how our technology stacks up. If we flat our refuse to send out signals "until we're ready" then we better consign ourselves to letting them find us first, becuase you can never know if you're "ready" without knowing about them first.