Astronomical Explosion Model (IMAGE)
Caption
The explosion of a massive star leads to the expulsion of its envelope, and this “ejecta” expands outward with time and interacts with the medium surrounding the star at the time of its death. The interaction creates two shockwaves and a contact discontinuity, collectively known as a “shell,” which dissipate kinetic energy at the expense of producing more light. Eric Coughlin's new model tracks the time-dependent evolution of this shell, which can be used alongside observations of these highly energetic events to enable understanding of the physics powering astronomical explosions.
Credit
Eric Coughlin/Syracuse University
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With credit to the original source
License
Original content