Fermi Detects 'Shocking' Surprise from Supernova's Little Cousin

Astronomers using NASA's Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope have detected gamma-rays from a nova for the first time, a finding that stunned observers and theorists alike. The discovery overturns the notion that novae explosions lack the power to emit such high-energy radiation.

A nova is a sudden, short-lived brightening of an otherwise inconspicuous star. The outburst occurs when a white dwarf in a binary system erupts in an enormous thermonuclear explosion.

"In human terms, this was an immensely powerful eruption, equivalent to about 1,000 times the energy emitted by the sun every year," said Elizabeth Hays, a Fermi deputy project scientist at NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Md. "But compared to other cosmic events Fermi sees, it was quite modest. We're amazed that Fermi detected it so strongly."

Gamma rays are the most energetic form of light, and Fermi's Large Area Telescope (LAT) detected the nova for 15 days. Scientists believe the emission arose as a million-mile-per-hour shock wave raced from the site of the explosion.

NASA Invites Media to Ames for LCROSS Impact Events

MOFFETT FIELD, Calif. -- NASA's Lunar Crater Observation and Sensing Satellite mission, known as LCROSS, will culminate with two lunar impacts at approximately 4:30 a.m. PDT on Oct. 9. The mission will search for water ice in the Cabeus A crater near the moon's south pole. Reporters are invited to observe the event and participate in pre-impact and post-impact media briefings Oct. 9 at NASA's Ames Research Center at Moffett Field, Calif.

The deadline for U.S. reporters to apply for accreditation is Monday, Oct. 5. International journalists planning to cover the LCROSS impacts from Ames must apply for accreditation no later than Friday, Sept. 25. Media representatives applying for credentials should submit requests to: ARC-Media-Accreditation@mail.nasa.gov.

Journalists should confirm they have been accredited before they travel. No substitution of credentials is allowed at any NASA facility.

Once approved, two forms of government-issued identification, one with a photo, will be required to receive an access badge for Ames to cover the pre- impact media briefing, impact event and post-impact conference. For further information about accreditation, contact Jonas Dino at 650-604-5612.