Astronomers have long realized that supernovae -- when they explode -- give off an enormous amount of light. But observations of Supernova 1987A (in the Large Magellanic Cloud) revealed that the supernova gives off even more energy in another form? That form is:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Supernova 1987A's observations showed that a significant amount of energy was emitted in the form of neutrinos, elementary particles that have a very small mass and no electric charge, making them incredibly difficult to detect. This discovery was crucial in understanding the processes occurring during a supernova explosion.

Astronomers Have Long Realized That Supernovae -- When They Explode