53 replies to this topic

[exijus]

Spoiler for based on other good guesses

supernova.

[Grayven]

One step further

Spoiler for Say it three times now..

Betelgeuse, Betelgeuse, Betelgeuse!

I'm not sure of course, as our clues are sparse this time around, but the fact that the Red Giant is about to die fits in with all of the lines rather well.

[Shakeepuddn]

Spoiler for based on other good guesses

supernova.

CONGRATS!!

Spoiler for Answer and explication

Supernova are generally caused by white dwarf stars which, after accreting extra-stellar mass, undergo runaway carbon fusion and explode, lighting up the night sky for months, like a diamond in the stellar sand. They destroy all planetary objects in the "vicinity," even other stars. Those that can (could) be seen with the naked eye or amateur telescope are actually billions of years old due to the vast distance light must travel. Yet the term supernova means, literally, “completely new,” as they appear as new stars in the sky. Ancients considered these as portents or signs from God(s), while modern astronomers and astrophysicists are keen to study them for the information they contribute to our knowledge of cosmic evolution. With the exception of hydrogen and helium (and bit traces of lithium), all the heavier elements are created in suns (most in the actual supernova itself) and distributed across the universe through the event. Practically all atoms that comprise the Earth AND OURSELVES, was at one time contained within or created by an exploding star. In the immortal words of CSNY . . . we are stardust.

Good job.

[hungryjeff]

CONGRATS!!

Spoiler for Answer and explication

Supernova are generally caused by white dwarf stars which, after accreting extra-stellar mass, undergo runaway carbon fusion and explode, lighting up the night sky for months, like a diamond in the stellar sand. They destroy all planetary objects in the "vicinity," even other stars. Those that can (could) be seen with the naked eye or amateur telescope are actually billions of years old due to the vast distance light must travel. Yet the term supernova means, literally, “completely new,” as they appear as new stars in the sky. Ancients considered these as portents or signs from God(s), while modern astronomers and astrophysicists are keen to study them for the information they contribute to our knowledge of cosmic evolution. With the exception of hydrogen and helium (and bit traces of lithium), all the heavier elements are created in suns (most in the actual supernova itself) and distributed across the universe through the event. Practically all atoms that comprise the Earth AND OURSELVES, was at one time contained within or created by an exploding star. In the immortal words of CSNY . . . we are stardust.

Good job.

Great riddle.

Spoiler for good answer

You can be 7 light years away when a super nova occurs and you will die in an instant.