Unprecedented Cosmic Power: Introducing Extreme Nuclear Transients

Astronomers have unveiled a cosmic phenomenon that dwarfs even the mightiest supernovae and gamma-ray bursts—meet the Extreme Nuclear Transients (ENTs). These monumental explosions are the most energetic blasts ever seen, eclipsing everything we thought we knew about cosmic power!

What Causes These Catastrophic Events?

The source of ENTs is a spectacular event: a colossal star—over three times the mass of our Sun—being devoured by a supermassive black hole. Jason Hinkle, the lead author of a groundbreaking study published in Science Advances, explains, "We’ve seen tidal disruption events for years, but ENTs are a whole different level, shining nearly ten times brighter than typical occurrences."

The Long-Lasting Spectacle of ENTs

Unlike most cosmic explosions that only last for weeks, ENTs can radiate energy for years, boasting luminosity that far exceeds even the brightest supernova explosions. Hinkle notes, "When I first spotted these long-lasting flares, I knew we were dealing with something extraordinary."

Decoding the Flares of Distant Galaxies

The hunt for ENTs began with data from the European Space Agency's Gaia mission, which mapped over two billion stars. Among the myriad of stars, two significant flares caught their attention: one from 2016 and another from 2018, both shining for years. Soon, findings from the Zwicky Transient Facility in California corroborated their observations, prompting deeper investigations using tools like the Keck Observatory.

A Colossal Energetic Output