Indian Researchers Spotted an Extremely Bright Supernova

Question: Indian Researchers, from which of the following institute, Spotted an extremely bright supernova?
a) IISc
b) IIT Mumbai
c) Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES)
d) None of these
Answer: (c)
Related Facts:

  • On 10 July 2021 Saturday Union ministry of science and technology informed that Indian researchers spotted an extremely bright supernova.
  • It was studied by scientists from Aryabhatta Research Institute of Observational Sciences (ARIES) Nainital.
  • It should be known that ARIES is a research institute under the Department of Science and Technology (DST).
  • This is a hydrogen deficient, fast-evolving supernova named as SN 2020ank that shines with the energy borrowed from an exotic type of neutron star with an ultra-powerful magnetic field.
  • The Department of Science and Technology (DST) explained, a deep study of such ancient spatial objects can help probe the mysteries of the early universe.
  • Supernovae (SNe) are highly energetic explosions in the universe releasing an enormous amount of energy.
  • Such type of supernovae called SuperLuminous Supernova (SLSNe) are very rare.
  • This is because they generally originated from very massive stars (minimum mass limit is more than 25 times that of the sun).
  • The number distribution of such massive stars in our galaxy or in nearby galaxies is sparse.
  • According to the DST, among them, SLSNe-I has been counted to about 150 entities spectroscopically confirmed so far.
  • These ancient objects are among the least understood SNe because their underlying sources are unclear.
  • Scientists said that their extremely high peak luminosity of such Super Luminous Supernova is unexplained.
  • The SN 2020ank, first discovered by the Zwicky Transient Facility on January 19, 2020.
  • The apparent look of the SN was very similar to other objects in the field. However, once the brightness was estimated it was found to be superluminous.
  • The team observed it using special arrangements at India’s recently commissioned Devasthal Optical Telescope (DOT-3.6m).
  • The team also observed it along with two other Indian telescopes: Sampurnanand Telescope-1.04m and Himalayan Chandra Telescope-2.0m.
  • They found that the outer layers of the onion structured supernovae had been peeled off, and the core was shining with a borrowed energy source.
  • The study led by Amit Kumar, a PhD student working under S B Pandey, and published in the Monthly Notice of the Royal Astronomical Society.
  • The study suggested a possibly powering source from an exotic type of neutron star with an ultra-powerful magnetic field (magnetar).
  • Deeper investigations could explore the underlying physical mechanisms, possible progenitors, and environments hosting such rare explosions.
  • Investigative scientists could also provide evidence of their possible associations with other energetic explosions like Gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) and Fast Radio Bursts (FRBs).

By – Rajesh Tripathi

Links:-
https://www.thehindu.com/sci-tech/science/indian-researchers-spot-rare-superluminous-supernova-shining-with-borrowed-energy-source/article35246289.ece
https://arxiv.org/abs/2012.15251