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Cosmic Events
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Gamma-Ray Burst
A highly energetic explosion observed in distant galaxies, caused by high-mass star collapse or neutron star mergers. Observable effects include intense gamma-ray radiation that can be detected by satellites.
Supernova
A stellar explosion that occurs at the end of a star's lifecycle, caused by the gravitational collapse of a star after it has exhausted its nuclear fuel. Observable effects include an extremely bright light and the creation of heavy elements.
Big Bang
The theoretical event that marked the origin of the universe approximately 13.8 billion years ago. Causes include a singularity expansion where space itself expanded. Observable effects include cosmic background radiation and the continuing expansion of the universe.
Black Hole Formation
Occurs when a massive star collapses under its own gravity post-supernova, leading to a singularity where density and gravity become infinite. Observable effects include gravitational lensing and accretion disc emissions.
Solar Flare
A sudden flash of increased brightness on the Sun, often followed by a coronal mass ejection, caused by magnetic energy released from the solar atmosphere. Observable effects include disruptions in Earth's magnetosphere and auroras.
Cosmic Microwave Background (CMB)
Thermal radiation which is a remnant from the early stages of the universe, also known as 'relic radiation'. Causes include the cooling of the universe after the Big Bang. Observable effects are the uniform radiation detected from all directions in space.
Neutron Star Collision
An event where two neutron stars spiral into each other, releasing enormous amounts of energy. Causes include the loss of energy through gravitational wave emission. Observable effects include short gamma-ray bursts and heavy element creation.
Red Giant Phase
The phase in a star's lifespan where it expands and cools after using all its hydrogen fuel, caused by the burning of helium into heavier elements. Observable effects include a significant increase in luminosity and size of the star.
Habitable Zone Planet Discovery
The detection of an exoplanet that resides within a star's habitable zone, which is the region around a star where conditions might be right for liquid water. Causes include advancements in telescopic technology and detection methods. Observable effects include changes in starlight as the planet transits.
Pulsar Wind Nebula
A nebula that is powered by the wind of particles from a pulsar, caused by the rotation of a neutron star that emits beams of electromagnetic radiation. Observable effects include glowing clouds of particles and magnetic fields.
White Dwarf Cooling
The process where a white dwarf star gradually cools and its luminosity decreases over time. Caused by the cessation of nuclear fusion and dissipation of residual heat. Observable effects include a change in the star's color from white to red over billions of years.
Galactic Collision
An event where two or more galaxies collide. Causes include gravitational attraction between galaxies. Observable effects include star formation surges and disruption of galactic shapes.
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