"Radio Signals Uncover Explosive Supernova Feeding Habits"

Astronomers have detected a Type Ia supernova in radio waves for the first time, revealing that the exploding white dwarf star was feeding on helium-rich material from its companion star before it blew. The supernova, designated SN 2020eyj, was discovered by the Zwicky Transient Facility camera on Palomar mountain and was found to be unusually dominated by helium-rich matter. The team behind the discovery said that a comprehensive follow-up of radio waves from SN 2020eyj and similar Type Ia supernovas could better define the characteristics of the star systems from which they explode.