- Astronomers took direct pictures of novae after eruption.
- Novae are stars that explode and throw out material.
- Scientists used several telescopes together for sharp images.
- The pictures show different streams of gas and material.
- Some explosions send several flows that collide and shock.
- In other novae the system keeps its outer layers many days.
- Later the system releases material and makes new shocks.
- Gamma rays came from shocks during the outflows.
- These images help scientists learn how stars explode.
Difficult words
- astronomer — A person who studies stars and spaceAstronomers
- nova — A star that suddenly becomes much brighternovae
- telescope — A tool to see distant objects in spacetelescopes
- material — Substance or matter that comes from something
- stream — A flow of gas or liquidstreams
- collide — To hit something with strong force
- gamma ray — A very strong type of light from spaceGamma rays
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Have you seen pictures of space?
- Would you like to look at stars with a telescope?
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