One of the most violent phenomena in astronomy -- supernovae -- will be the topic of the final live astronomy show of the spring semester at CU-Boulder's Fiske Planetarium on Friday, May 5, and Tuesday, May 9, at 7:30 p.m.
University of Colorado at Boulder astronomy Professor Richard McCray will delve into supernovae, looking at everything from ancient Chinese inscriptions to current observations of these rare stars and how new observations are used to measure the expansion of the universe.
During a supernova explosion, a starÂ’s brightness can suddenly increase by more than a million times. The spectacular explosions have been studied since the dawn of written history, according to McCray. Chinese inscriptions on tortoise shells and bones dating back to 1500 B.C. describe events in the sky that may be supernovae, he said.
"I will also talk about why supernovae explode and how we have learned that," McCray said. The planets of the solar system are made mostly of elements produced by a supernova explosion, he said.
"Today, the study of supernovae is one of the most active fields of astronomical research," McCray said. "We observe hundreds each year, with telescopes on the ground and in space, and we have learned and are still learning a great deal about how they explode and the consequences of their explosions."
McCray became interested in supernovae in the 1960s as a graduate student and learned the basic ideas then, he said. Then in 1987, the brightest supernova in nearly 400 years was discovered.
"I immediately began to try to interpret this event, and it has remained the primary focus of my research program ever since," he said.
Tickets go on sale at 7 p.m. the night of the show and are $4 for adults and $3 for children and seniors. For more information contact the Fiske Planetarium at (303) 492-5001 or visit the Web site at .