Stars - Current Affairs Questions and Answers

ANSWER: Supernova explosion

Explanation:
A series of massive supernovae explosions near our solar system have showered the earth with radioactive debris between 3.2 to 1.7 million years ago, according to a new study. Scientists have also found radioactive iron-60 in sediment and crust samples from the Pacific, Indian and Atlantic oceans.

• Supernova refers to a massive explosion of a star as it runs out of fuel and collapses
• Scientists hold that supernovae in this case were less than 300 light years away comparable to the brightness of the moon.

ANSWER: Both of the above

Explanation:
Scientists have for the first time developed a means to determine presence of strong magnetic fields inside pulsating giant stars through a technique associated with medical ultrasound. Magnetic fields have important consequences in all phases of stellar evolution from the formation of the star to its demise. Researchers have used asteroseismology similar to seismology for tracking waves travelling through stars to determine inner properties. Technique uses sound waves to image invisible parts of the human body.