Cosmic Oddity: The Pancake-Flat Explosion That Defies Explanation
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Chapter 1: Introduction to FBOTs
The astronomical community was astounded by the discovery of a unique cosmic event known as "The Cow." This remarkable explosion, which outshone nearly 100 supernovas, was first identified on June 16, 2018, and remained visible from Earth for several weeks. Located in the Hercules constellation, about 200 million light-years away, this event has intrigued scientists worldwide due to its unusual characteristics.
Section 1.1: Characteristics of "The Cow"
Recent investigations into the polarized light emitted by this fast blue optical transient (FBOT) have revealed that it is the most irregular explosion ever recorded. Unlike typical spherical explosions, "The Cow" exhibited a pancake-like shape, presenting an asymmetrical profile that poses questions about the conventional understanding of such cosmic phenomena.
Subsection 1.1.1: Astronomers' Insights
Astronomers have only identified four other similar transients since 2018, leaving significant gaps in knowledge about FBOTs and their origins. It is evident that FBOTs behave differently from standard supernovas, which occur when massive stars collapse under their gravitational pull after exhausting their nuclear fuel.
Section 1.2: Understanding the Brightness of FBOTs
“FBOTs are exceptionally bright — even outshining some superluminous supernovas — but they appear suddenly and then their brightness diminishes rapidly! Unlike regular supernovas, they lack radioactive elements to sustain their brightness, implying an alternative source of energy.”
~ Justyn Maund, Lead Author of the Study
Chapter 2: The Discovery and Analysis of "The Cow"
The research team conducted a detailed study of the light emitted by "The Cow," focusing on the polarization aspect, which refers to the orientation of light wave vibrations. This analysis does not yet clarify the origins of FBOTs, but it reinforces the notion that their structure is even more distinct from supernovas than previously believed.
To ascertain the peculiar shape of "The Cow," researchers utilized the Liverpool Telescope, which has a 6.5-foot (2 meters) primary mirror. The collected light data enabled the construction of a 3D model of the explosion, with polarization aiding in its reconstruction as though observed from a telescope with a diameter of approximately 388 miles (625 km).
The first video, "Explosion Found in the Middle of Nowhere Far From Galaxies," delves into the peculiar aspects of this cosmic blast, providing further context for this remarkable phenomenon.
Section 2.1: Theories Behind FBOTs
Current hypotheses suggest that FBOTs may arise when a star is disrupted in proximity to a black hole, or they could result from a failed supernova event. In this latter case, a star's core collapses but does not result in a supernova; instead, it forms a black hole or neutron star. As these entities consume surrounding material, they generate the emissions associated with FBOTs.
The second video, "S26E44: Flattest Space Explosion Ever Recorded by Astronomers & Other Astronomy News," further explores the implications of these cosmic events and their significance in the field of astronomy.
Looking ahead, the research team's goal is to identify more FBOTs to determine how many share "The Cow's" unique polarization characteristics and disk-like structure. They plan to gather this data through the Legacy Survey of Space and Time, conducted by the Vera Rubin Observatory in Chile. The complete findings were published in the Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society.