Superluminous supernovae are a rare subclass of supernovae.  Astronomers don’t yet understand what drives them to be so bright.  Main image represents one of these in the act of exploding – it’s a NASA artist’s impression of the explosion of SN 2006gy.  The peak optical luminosity of a standard supernova can be comparable to that of an entire galaxy before fading over several weeks or months.  And a superluminous supernovae has a luminosity 10 or more times higher than that of standard supernova.

Sorcha Kennelly (small photo) will outline some of the ideas which are currently being explored.  Sorcha completed a Masters in astrophysics at UCC and is curently pursuing a PhD at Liverpool John Moores University.

Where and when:  UCC’s Ashley Cummins building (formerly known as Civil Engineering, near College Road entrance to the main campus).   8 pm, Monday 9th Nov 2026.  Please arrive 10 minutes early – or earlier if you wish to join our Club.  This is a public lecture, all welcome.  For UCC map go to Calendar