Astronomers watched the drama for an entire month.
Notably, particles at RS Ophiuchi reached rates hundreds of times faster than scientists have ever observed at other novas. The acceleration was so powerful that the particles reached the maximum speed predicted in theoretical models, the team behind the new research noted.
In addition to tracking the eruption as it progressed, the researchers were able to measure high-energy gamma-rays from the RS Ophiuchi nova up to a month after the explosion. Such observations are the first of their kind, according to the statement. The RS Ophiuchi nova may not be the largest explosion out there, but for scientists these observations are particularly special, made possible only by a cutting-edge camera that HESS installed on one of its telescopes in late 2019. The newness of the technology means scientists aren't yet sure how rare this type of event is.
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