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Article: Star Explosion in Nearby Galaxy Is Revolutionizing Astronomy; New Field of Science Spawned as Supernova Particles Hit Earth
- Article from:
- The Washington Post
- Article date:
- March 22, 1987
- Author:
CopyrightThis material is published under license from the Washington Post. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Washington Post. (Hide copyright information)
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The exploding star that has galvanized astronomers around the
planet for almost a month has yet to reveal its true nature-but
experts say it already is revolutionizing the study of such
supernovas and has spawned at least one field of science.
"I call it a supernova in a test tube," said astronomer William
Kunkel, administrator of Las Campanas, where the explosion was
discovered. Las Campanas is one of three major mountaintop
observatories near here that have front-row seats for the unfolding
drama.
"If you had gone and asked a professional where would you put
that beast to study it best, he would have said put it right there
where it is," he said.
The peculiarities of the doomed stellar ...