Hubble Observations Challenge Supernova Winds' Role in Cosmic Reionization

Supernova Explosions First Aided, Then Later Impeded, the Epoch of Reionization

The Epoch of Reionization is when radiation from early galaxies and their stars reionized neutral hydrogen and let light travel freely through the cosmos. Some research shows that supernovae helped the process. But new research shows that, though they may have helped initially, supernovae eventually slowed reionization.

Hubble observations challenge supernova winds' role in cosmic reionization

An international team of researchers, including members from the University of Michigan, has revealed surprising results that could rewrite our understanding of a key transition in the early universe.

Hubble finds exploding stars may block light that cleared the early universe

Exploding stars may have played a very different role in clearing the early universe than astronomers once thought. New observations suggest that powerful winds from these explosions can actually stop important radiation from escaping galaxies, rather than opening a path for it. The finding challenges a leading explanation for how the universe changed from a […]

Supernova explosions may have blocked the light that transformed the early universe

Hubble observations challenge a leading theory of cosmic reionization, revealing that supernova-driven winds hinder escaping radiation while young stars may have helped illuminate the early universe.