News in Brief Astronomy

Companion star could have triggered supernova

Extra blue light supports explanation for type 1a explosions

supernova

PURPLE HAZE  Supernova SN 2012cg (bright dot, center) exploded in a hazy galaxy (purple) 50 million light-years away. The explosion might have been triggered by a companion star, a new study reports.

Peter Challis/Harvard-Smithsonian CfA

By Christopher Crockett

- More than 2 years ago

Debris from a cosmic explosion bumped into a neighboring star, a new study reports, suggesting that the surviving star might be responsible for its partner’s demise.