Uploaded July 2025 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago

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Astronomers have found the first visual evidence that a star has died by detonating twice. Observations taken with ESO’s Very Large Telescope (VLT) revealed concentric shells of calcium in the supernova remnant SNR 0509-67.5. These features indicate that the now-dead star exploded with two detonations.

For more details, check: eso.org/public/news/eso2511/.

Members of the media can request a version of this video without the overset text by emailing press@eso.org.

Credit:
ESO

Directed by: Angelos Tsaousis and Martin Wallner.
Editing: Angelos Tsaousis.
Web and technical support: Raquel Yumi Shida and E. Arango.
Written by: Amy Briggs and Sean Bromilow.
Music: Stellardrone – Comet Halley.
Footage and photos: ESO, Luis Calçada, Angelos Tsaousis, Martin Kornmesser, P. Das et al., K. Noll et al., Gerhard Hüdepohl (atacamaphoto.com/), Daniele Gasparri (www.astroatacama.com)
Scientific consultant: Paola Amico, Mariya Lyubenova.

This video is available for download in various formats on: eso.org/public/videos/eso2511a