Stellar explosions, although frequent in the universe, continue to amaze scientists with their spectacularity and importance. Recently, a supernova was detected in the lenticular galaxy NGC 3524, located 95 million light-years from Earth.
This event, classified as a Type Ia supernova, dates back to the time when dinosaurs inhabited our planet. The light from this explosion, which is brighter than the entire galaxy, has finally reached us. The event, called SN 2024inv, was immortalized by our astrophysicist friend Gianluca Masi of the Virtual Telescope Project.
The death process of stars: type II supernovae and the formation of black holes or neutron stars
Supernovae are events of extreme power and beauty, but also of great complexity. In the case of Type II supernovae, the death of a massive star involves a series of nuclear burning phases. This process begins with the burning of helium, followed by its demise and the contraction of the star. Subsequently, the carbon is ignited, which is burned to its end, leading to further contraction. The cycle continues with the ignition of neon, then oxygen and finally silicon, until an iron core is formed.
When the iron core forms, the central density of the star increases to the point of inducing electron capture in the atomic nuclei. This process turns most protons into neutrons, emitting neutrinos that provide the energy needed for the supernova explosion. Depending on the remaining mass, the end result will be the formation of a neutron star or a black hole. These events are powerful and magnificent, but also incredibly destructive.
The supernova SN 2024inv, captured by the Manciano observatory, represents an extraordinary example of these cosmic phenomena. The images obtained by the Virtual Telescope Project offer us a fascinating look at an event that occurred millions of years ago, whose light traveled through the universe until it reached Earth. These observations not only allow us to better understand the life and death of stars, but also remind us how vast and amazing the universe we live in is.
