NASA's Chandra Reveals Origin of Key Cosmic Explosions

Media Telecon:

Feb. 17, 2010 (1:00 p.m. Eastern)

Using Chandra, scientists have obtained the first direct evidence for what triggers a Type Ia supernova, a class of supernova used in cosmology to accurately measure distances.

-Press Release

Live audio of the teleconference streamed online at: http://www.nasa.gov/newsaudio If you’re unable to take part, you can call the replay number below to listen to the news conference until February 23:
Dial In: 1.800.386.3421
Toll Call: 1.203.369.3265

---

A video will air on NASA Television on February 17 (check the NASA TV schedule for additional times and information).

---

Panelists:

	Marat Gilfanov, (Max Planck Institute for Astrophysics in Garching, Germany)
	Akos Bogdan, (Max Planck Institute for Astrophysics in Garching, Germany)
	Mario Livio, (STScI)

Bios Page

---

Graphics:

Figure 1. SN 1994d (HST image).

---

Figure 2a. Illustration of Accretion Scenario.
Figure 2b. Illustration of Merger Scenario.

---

Figure 3. M31 X-ray/Optical/Infrared Composite image (roll your mouse over the image).

---

Figure 4. M32, M105, NGC 3377 & NGC 3585 X-ray/Optical/Infrared Composite Images.

---

Figure 5. Animation of Merger Trigger for Supernova.

---

Additional Information

Paper Title: An Upper Limit on the Contribution of Accreting White Dwarfs to the Type Ia Supernova Rate

Full Author List: Marat Gilfanov & Akos Bogdan

Scientist Contact Information:
Marat Gilfanov: gilfanov@MPA-Garching.MPG.DE
Akos Bogdan: bogdan@MPA-Garching.MPG.DE
Mario Livio: mlivio@stsci.edu

Links:
Photo Album
Press Room
Image Captions