NASA's Fermi reveals the hidden engine of a rare superluminous supernova

NASA’s Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope has provided a glimpse into one of the universe’s most extreme stellar explosions. By detecting gamma rays from a superluminous supernova, scientists gathered new evidence that a rapidly spinning magnetar may be injecting enormous amounts of energy into the expanding debris. The discovery helps explain why some supernovae shine far brighter than normal and offers fresh insight into the life cycle of massive stars. It also reveals a new type of gamma-ray source, opening another window into the high-energy universe. Credit: NASA's Goddard Space Flight Center/Scientific Visualization Studio