The brightest supernova SN 1006 (08-08-2008)

SN 1006 in 60 Seconds (08-08-2008)
The brightest supernova ever recorded on Earth, this spectacular light show was documented in China, Japan, Europe, and the Arab world. It was brighter than Venus, and visible during the day for weeks.

Narrator (Megan Watzke, CXC) Over a thousand years ago, a new object was spotted in the sky that was brighter than Venus and visible during the day for weeks. This spectacular lightshow was documented in China, Japan, Europe and the Arab world, and we now know it was the brightest supernova ever recorded on Earth. By using modern telescopes that detect optical, radio and x-ray light, astronomers can continue to study the expanding debris field. The original star was actually one of a pair. One star pulled so much material from its companion, that eventually it triggered an explosion that destroyed it. What remains is this complicated and beautiful structure which astronomers call Supernova 1006. This helps us better understand how some stars explode.

Explanation: A new star, likely the brightest supernova in recorded human history, lit up planet Earth's sky in the year 1006 AD. The expanding debris cloud from the stellar explosion, found in the southerly constellation of Lupus, still puts on a cosmic light show across the electromagnetic spectrum. In fact, this composite view includes X-ray data in blue from the Chandra Observatory, optical data in yellowish hues, and radio image data in red. Now known as the SN 1006 supernova remnant, the debris cloud appears to be about 60 light-years across and is understood to represent the remains of a white dwarf star. Part of a binary star system, the compact white dwarf gradually captured material from its companion star. The buildup in mass finally triggered a thermonuclear explosion that destroyed the dwarf star. Because the distance to the supernova remnant is about 7,000 light-years, that explosion actually happened 7,000 years before the light reached Earth in 1006. Shockwaves in the remnant accelerate particles to extreme energies and are thought to be a source of the mysterious cosmic rays.

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[meteor4163]

I'm really amazed by people's reactions to witnessing this incredible event back in 1006AD. No one used to say any dumb things like "ALIEN UFO!". Has the average humanity intelligence level changed a little since then? It's up to us to show in which direction.

Imagine how did it feel like with all the knowledge they had back then. But now we understand why did it flash so suddenly. This might change the way you'd behave the next time you see a ball lightning or another unexplained phenomenon.

[Z0MGMaTT]

@Adahondeayenh uh huh.

[FreedomValentine]

@195tiger the mayan civilisation has already ended- long, long ago.

[dat360kidd]

the worlds gonna end at some point... obviously, its natural, animals become extinct, so will we...deal with it

[Adahondeayenh]

No I don't think that the world will end at all... I do however believe that 2012 is an important date, simply because we create our own destiny. If enough people believe that SOMEthing will happen at a given time, it's quite possible to have a self-fulfilling prophecy. One thing we are guaranteed in America, is that we will have an interesting presidential election.

Months ago I commented on this video talking about the super-bright supernova that was recorded in the year 1006.

[195tiger]

@Adahondeayenh So you are one of those people that beleve the world will end in 2012? Why? Because the Myan or however you spell it calander ends then? I have 2 theorys:

1. The calander creators said "Screw this im sick of it" and qut, or,

2. 2012 is the end of the Myans.

[L00NGB00W]

Which star exploded? The Puller? The Pullee? or both?

[camilosatx]

nonbelievers are at the mercy of the "law" of science (man). Christians know that death is limited to the body, but we will commence our eternal life that day, by living fearless in God, we are free and not tied down to this 2012 or nwo rumors whether true or not our ultimate truth and reliance is found in Jesus! want freedom and peace? ask God to come into your heart and life, repent, confess and convert friend.

[Lara24P]

Even here? this creepy "2012" paranoia now appears everywhere ... :)

[Scarpsad]

I do know you posted this 7 months ago but you do know by now that dec 21 2012 has been debunked right?