The recently discovered hyper velocity star US 708 is racing to the edge of the galaxy and further into the great intergalactic void at the blazing speed of 2.6 million mph (4.2 million kph), according to a report published Thursday in National Geographic.
The phenomenon of hypervelocity stars is not unique, but most of them are launched by gravity anomalies at the center of our galaxy, rather than propelled by a stellar blast of unimaginable power. Astronomers believe that studying this speedster is key to finding out the origins of this violent explosion.
The exploding star is known as Type Ia Supernova, one of the brightest stellar bodies in existence. The most accurate method of measuring distances between galaxies is based upon measuring the intensity of light generated by Type Ia stars.
Astronomers are seeking the answer to what makes a star explode so brightly that the flash can be seen halfway across the universe. There are various theories on how this happens, but the actual course of events preceding the detonation and the exact amount of energy radiated in the process can only be determined based on data obtained by researching US 708.
