Hubble Telescope views a galactic supernova site.

In this image the spotlight falls on the diminutive galaxy UGC 5189A, positioned approximately 150 million light-years distant within the Leo constellation. The NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope turned its gaze toward this cosmic neighbor to scrutinize the aftermath of a spectacular supernova, specifically the explosive event known as SN 2010jl, which unfolded in 2010.What sets this supernova apart is its extraordinary luminosity, outshining our Sun by a staggering 2.5 billion times in visible energy over a remarkable three-year span. The sheer brilliance of SN 2010jl stands as a celestial spectacle, offering astronomers valuable insights into the dynamics of these cosmic explosions.

The allure of studying the aftermath of supernovae extends beyond their visible lifespans, offering a window into the intriguing realms where these cosmic explosions transpired. Even as their luminosity wanes, delving into the environments that hosted these supernovae becomes a key avenue for astronomers. Such investigations yield valuable insights, enhancing comprehension of the diverse triggers behind supernova occurrences. Supernova's studies play a pivotal role in unraveling the immediate consequences of these events – from their profound impact on surrounding gas and dust to the enduring stellar remnants they leave in their wake. In essence, each exploration into these cosmic aftermaths contributes to a deeper understanding of the intricate tapestry of celestial phenomena.

The image presented here stems from data amassed in three of Hubble's most recent studies dedicated to unraveling the mysteries of UGC 5189A.These comprehensive investigations not only delve galaxy but also cast their lens on other neighboring galaxies that have played host to recent supernovae. In astronomical terms, the term "relatively nearby" takes on cosmic proportions, indicating galaxies positioned approximately 100 million light-years away. Through this ongoing scrutiny, astronomers glean a more nuanced understanding of the dynamic processes shaping these distant cosmic landscapes.

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NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope Reveals New Details of the Orion Nebula’s Star Formation.

This NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope image captures the Orion Nebula (Messier 42, M42), the nearest star-forming region to Earth, located about 1,500 light-years away. A captivating new image captured by the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope offers an extraordinary look into the Orion Nebula, the nearest massive star-forming region to Earth. Located just 1,500 light-years away, this nebula is visible to the naked eye below the three stars forming Orion's "belt." The region is home to hundreds of newborn stars, including two protostars featured in the image: HOPS 150 and HOPS 153. Named after the Herschel Orion Protostar Survey, conducted with ESA’s Herschel Space Observatory, the protostars HOPS 150 and HOPS 153 provide key insights into the early stages of star formation. HOPS 150, visible in the upper-right corner of the image, is a binary star system, with two young stars orbiting one another. These protostars are surrounded by small dusty disks, where material from th...

New Method Detects Small Asteroids in Main Belt, Offering Insight for Planetary Defense.

An international team of physicists, led by MIT researchers, has developed a groundbreaking method to detect small asteroids, as small as 10 meters in diameter, within the main asteroid belt. These space rocks, ranging from the size of a bus to several stadiums wide, were previously undetectable using traditional methods. The team's discovery, detailed in a paper published in Nature, could significantly improve tracking of potential asteroid impactors, aiding planetary defense efforts. The main asteroid belt, located between Mars and Jupiter, is home to millions of asteroids, but until now, scientists could only detect objects roughly a kilometer in diameter. The new detection technique, which utilizes the "shift and stack" method, is able to identify much smaller asteroids, even those far from Earth, enabling more precise orbital tracking. This breakthrough is crucial for planetary defense, allowing scientists to spot near-Earth objects that may pose a threat in the fu...

XSPECT Payload Successfully Validates Performance through Cas A Observation.

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