Integral gamma-ray observatory demonstrates white dwarfs can reignite and explode as supernovae
Thursday, August 28, 2014 - 06:30
in Astronomy & Space
(Phys.org) —Astronomers using ESA's Integral gamma-ray observatory have demonstrated beyond doubt that dead stars known as white dwarfs can reignite and explode as supernovae. The finding came after the unique signature of gamma rays from the radioactive elements created in one of these explosions was captured for the first time.