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Supernova Detonates In Empty Space

Posted by kdawson on from the no-one-can-hear-you-explode dept.

mlimber tips a story in New Scientist about a powerful cosmic explosion that has astronomers scratching their heads. It apparently resulted from a supernova detonating in empty space, far from any galaxy. Researchers propose that the exploding star was in the gas trail yanked out of a galaxy when it passed or began merging with another. Quoting the lead author of the study: "Even if the galaxies have stopped forming stars, in the tidal tails you can trigger new episodes of star formation [not to mention detonation]." The research will be published in the Astrophysical Journal.

13 of 188 comments (clear)

  1. My vote? by NitroWolf · · Score: 5, Funny

    My vote is that it was a starship that had a critical engine failure.

    It gives me hope and lets me sleep at night. Don't destroy my dream :(

    1. Re:My vote? by PetoskeyGuy · · Score: 3, Funny

      Something like the US SuperNova testing grounds? I hope they remember to duck and cover!

  2. Sounds like... by wiggles · · Score: 3, Funny

    ...an interstellar war. Some alien species just lit off a nuke the size of a supernova. At least, it would be bad ass if that were the case.

  3. Two Words by Billosaur · · Score: 5, Funny

    Death Star

    --
    GetOuttaMySpace - The Anti-Social Network
    1. Re:Two Words by Speefnarkle1982 · · Score: 3, Funny

      That's no supernova, it's a space station!

    2. Re:Two Words by somersault · · Score: 3, Funny

      I think Death Bunny has a better ring to it. And it could be shaped like a gigantic bunny, to boot! There's some devastatingly sick humour in the idea of striking fear into the hearts of your enemies as they witness a gargantuan fluffy bunny eclipsing their sun.. *ponders*

      --
      which is totally what she said
    3. Re:Two Words by Smauler · · Score: 4, Funny

      You must be new here. The correct term is "Beowulf Death Cluster".

  4. Well that's just wonderful. by Peter+Trepan · · Score: 4, Funny

    I already had to worry about terrorists, killer bees, violent video games, and the War on Christmas, and now I have to worry about random supernovas in empty space.

    :checks the sky for supernovas before walking outside:

    --

    Step into a huge movement. Don't Tread In Me.

  5. Oblig. Futurama by PetoskeyGuy · · Score: 4, Funny

    Oh... the JEDI are going to feel this one!

  6. I'm guessing by Anonymous Coward · · Score: 3, Funny

    It wasn't exactly empty space.

  7. Re:Connecting the Dots by mdm-adph · · Score: 3, Funny

    Okay... calm now... step away from the bong... just put it down on the ground.

    --
    It is by my will alone my thoughts acquire motion; it is by the juice of the coffee bean that the thoughts acquire speed
  8. Brand New Technology by SWad · · Score: 5, Funny

    It was really a chain-reaction of a distant planet using new small portable reactors to power local neighborhoods.

  9. It was Captain Kirk! by quickpick · · Score: 3, Funny

    He wasn't about to allow Federation Technology to fall into the hands of the evil Klingon Empire...with this in mind Kirk uttered the ominious phrase, "0-0-0-Destruct-1", at which point the computer said in its sexiest voice, "Shatner...I've always loved you...I can't believe this is how it has to end...but...at least...I had you inside me...TIME UNTIL AUTO-DESTRUCT 00:01:00"
    Before the Captain could respond his communicator chirped.
    "Captain, this is Hikaru Sulu aboard the USS Excelsior, we are ready to beam you aboard your new command Captain."
    The Computer was furious, "BILL! HOW COULD YOU?! AFTER ALL THOSE SEASONS AND MOVIES TOGETHER...HOW...*SOB*TIME UNTIL AUTO-DESTRUCT 00:00:53"
    Kirk replied, "Computer...I'm sorry...but this...is...over. I have...WE have...to explore other options and I've explored all your strange new worlds...now...its time...for me to...to seek out new life forms...and new...sexy-civilizations..."
    In a malevolent move the computer shut the doors and the turbolift ceased to operate..."Kirk...The cake...is a lie. Aw FUCK IT.TIME UNTIL AUTO-DESTRUCT 00:00:10"
    Kirk had barely enough time to curse.."KAHHHHHHHHHHN! no wait...*poof*"
    Meanwhile back on Earth a couple of astronomers were scanning the sky.. "Hey, did you see that?"
    "See it, did you smell it?"