With an intense glow brighter than the sun, a recent supernova has researchers struggling to comprehend its power and force, according to CNN.
Ohio State University is leading a study to find out what the deal is with this massive supernova. The study has concluded that this explosion is the brightest to date.
"This may be the most powerful supernova ever seen by anybody ... it's really pushing the envelope on what is possible," said Krzysztof Stanek, co-author of the Ohio State study.
The supernova is 3.8 billion light years away, but we are still able to view it because of the enormous amount of energy it is generating, which is equal to that of hundreds of billions of suns, according to the Ohio State press release.
Researchers believe the heart of the event is a star called a magnetar. A magnetar is an incredible star that pushes the boundaries of what's possible in terms of physics. To be witness to such an event is a rare occurrence indeed.
"If it really is a magnetar, it's as if nature took everything we know about magnetars and turned it up to 11," said Stanek.
The research is published in the journal Science.
