Cosmic Discovery: Supernova Could Be Accelerating Particles Beyond Human Capabilities

Tycho, one of the best studied supernova remnants, may have briefly served as the most powerful collider in the universe, new research hints. (Image credit: MPIA/NASA/Calar Alto Observatory)

The article from Live Science states that based on credible scientific research and presents a fascinating development in astrophysics, "Scientists may have discovered the most powerful particle colliders in the universe — and they're strewn throughout our galaxy just waiting to blow." It discusses how certain supernova remnants, like Tycho, may act as natural particle accelerators, propelling particles to energies surpassing those achieved by human-made colliders such as CERN's Large Hadron Collider (LHC).

Cosmic rays—high-energy particles originating from outer space—have long intrigued scientists. The most energetic of these, known as ultra-high-energy cosmic rays, can possess energies exceeding one peta-electronvolt (PeV), which is about a thousand times more powerful than the collisions produced in the LHC. 

The recent research highlighted in the article suggests that supernovae, under specific conditions, can accelerate particles to these extreme energies. This discovery not only enhances our understanding of cosmic ray origins but also provides insights into the mechanisms of particle acceleration in the universe.

source: Live Science @https://www.livescience.com/space/astronomy/scientists-may-have-discovered-the-most-powerful-particle-collider-in-the-universe