Universe  ID: 10561

Central Engine Supernova

Released on January 27, 2010
In March 2009, NASA's Swift observed the supernova SN 2009bb in the spiral galaxy NGC 3278. The explosion is apparent in visible light, but not at ultraviolet and X-ray energies, and satellites recorded no gamma-ray burst. Nevertheless, particle jets reaching 85 percent the speed of light accompanied the explosion. Astronomers believe these jets are powered by a "central engine" — likely a newborn black hole at the star's center, a scenario that also fits most gamma-ray bursts.
Download Options
This video labels the galaxy and supernova, and moves through visible, ultraviolet and X-ray images.
Download Options
Supernova SN2009bb in the galaxy NGC 3278 viewed in the visible spectrum without labels.
Download Options
Supernova SN2009bb in the galaxy NGC 3278 viewed in the visible spectrum with labels.
Download Options
Supernova SN2009bb in the galaxy NGC 3278 viewed in the ultraviolet spectrum without labels.
Download Options
Supernova SN2009bb in the galaxy NGC 3278 viewed in the X-ray spectrum without labels.

For More Information

http://www.nasa.gov/centers/goddard/news/features/2010/newborn_black_holes.html

http://www.nasa.gov/swift

Credits

Scott Wiessinger (UMBC): Lead Animator
Scott Wiessinger (UMBC): Producer
Stefan Immler (UMCP): Scientist
Francis Reddy (SPSYS): Writer
Please give credit for this item to:
NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center/Swift/Stefan Immler

Short URL to share this page:
https://svs.gsfc.nasa.gov/10561

Mission:
Swift

This item is part of these series:
Astrophysics Visualizations
Astrophysics Stills

Goddard TV Tape:
G2010-139 -- Various Small Astrophysics projects

Keywords:
SVS >> Galaxy
SVS >> HDTV
SVS >> X-ray
SVS >> Black Hole
SVS >> Astrophysics
SVS >> Universe
SVS >> Swift
SVS >> Supernova
NASA Science >> Universe