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Astronomy

Detecting distant stars: Q&A with Jose Maria Diego and Jesus Vega
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Photo courtesty of NASA, ESA, and P. Kelly (University of Minnesota)

Detecting distant stars: Q&A with Jose Maria Diego and Jesus Vega

While observing an exploding star in a galaxy cluster billions of light-years away, two visiting scholars noticed a curious speck of light in their images. The light was from an ancient star more than 9 billion years ago, the most distant star ever detected.

Ali Sundermier

Astronomical find
Penn Libraries curator Nicholas Herman with medieval manuscript.

A medieval manuscript recently acquired by the Penn Libraries contains six working volvelles, discs of parchment and paper that demonstrate the science of astronomy.

Astronomical find

Penn Libraries has acquired a rare astronomical treatise dated 1481, with unique diagrams in the margins, and original discs of parchment that turn to demonstrate the movement of the sun, moon, and planets.

Louisa Shepard

A long time ago, from an explosion far, far away

A long time ago, from an explosion far, far away

An international team of astronomers, including Penn researchers, has confirmed the discovery of the most distant supernova ever detected, a huge cosmic explosion that took place 10.5 billion years ago.

Ali Sundermier

Astronomers reveal secrets of most distant supernova ever detected

Astronomers reveal secrets of most distant supernova ever detected

An international team of astronomers, including researchers from the University of Pennsylvania, has confirmed the discovery of the most distant supernova ever detected, a huge cosmic explosion that took place 10.5 billion years ago.