Supernova Early Warning System

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The SuperNova Early Warning System (SNEWS) is a network of neutrino detectors designed to give early warning to astronomers in the event of a supernova in our Milky Way galaxy. Enormous numbers of neutrinos are produced in the core of a red giant star as it collapses on itself. In the current model the neutrinos are emitted well before the light from the supernova peaks, so in principle neutrino detectors could give advance warning to astronomers that a supernova has occurred and may soon be visible. The neutrino pulse from supernova 1987A was detected 18 hours before the photons.

The current members of SNEWS are Super-Kamiokande, LVD, SNO and AMANDA.

As of the end 2007 SNEWS, has not issued any SN alerts.

[edit] See also

Neutrino Detectors:

Supernova Information:

[edit] External links

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