Images for CSIRO media release: Monster star blast ‘brighter than full moon’
Embargoed until 0600 AEDT 19 February 2005 (1900 GMT 18 February)
Artist's impression of a shell of gamma-rays moving away from SGR 1806-20 following the outburst, and sweeping across the Galaxy until they interact with the Earth. Credit: NASA
Artist's impression of the rotating, highly-magnetised neutron star which is SGR 1806-20, undergoing a 'quake' at its surface, resulting in the gamma-ray outburst. Credit: NASA
Sequence of images based upon radio maps of the expanding nebula produced by the outburst. This nebula is the result of ejected matter moving at speeds of about 100,000 km/sec ramming into the surrounding gas and dust. Credit: NRAO/CfA/Gaensler & Univ. of Hawaii.
Antennas of CSIRO's Australia Telescope Compact Array. Photo: D. Smyth