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The Universe’s Most Powerful Telescope.
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The Universe’s Most Powerful Telescope.

Universe Today·Mark Thompson·about 2 months ago
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Supernovae like SN1987A seen here at centre of image, can be used to measure distances in space (Credit : ESO)

When a massive star explodes on the far side of the universe, the light from that explosion normally fades long before it reaches us. But occasionally, the universe conspires to help. A newly discovered supernova has been caught using the gravity of an entire galaxy as a natural magnifying glass, boosting its light by at least a hundred times and revealing a stellar death that would otherwise have been completely invisible. It is the most magnified supernova ever found, and it opens a remarkable new window onto the distant universe.

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