An astonishing astronomical event is taking place. We are constantly shown that we have only the slightest idea of how the universe really works.
Some 500 million light-years away, in a galaxy so distant it looks like little more than a smudge, a star exploded five times over the course of nearly two years, spewing the contents of 50 Jupiters and emitting as much energy as 10 quintillion suns.
This isn’t even the first time this star has gone supernova: Astronomers believe this same body was seen exploding 60 years ago.
Somehow, this “zombie” star has managed to survive one of the most powerful, destructive events known to science — multiple times. It should make us question, researchers wrote Wednesday in the journal Nature, how much we really know about supernovas.
Bonus link to ARS Technica article with juicy astronomy details on this event.