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Early Observation Reveals Supernova's Unique Olive Shape

11/17/2025

Summary

Story summary

Astronomers observed the supernova SN 2024ggi 26 hours after explosion in 2024, capturing its shape at an unprecedented early stage.
Researchers used the Very Large Telescope (VLT) in Chile and spectropolarimetry to show the initial blast was olive-shaped and then flattened as it expanded.
The findings challenge existing supernova models.
Co-author Ferdinando Patat emphasized the importance of international collaboration in achieving these insights.

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Story summary

Astronomers observed the supernova SN 2024ggi 26 hours after explosion in 2024, capturing its shape at an unprecedented early stage.
Researchers used the Very Large Telescope (VLT) in Chile and spectropolarimetry to show the initial blast was olive-shaped and then flattened as it expanded.
The findings challenge existing supernova models.
Co-author Ferdinando Patat emphasized the importance of international collaboration in achieving these insights.