Riddle of the Jewel

[Shakeepuddn]

A diamond glinting in the sand

On a darkened beach in a distant land.

A sign for some, for others a gem

To garnish the tomes of learned men.

Maker of many save but two;

But for me there would be no you.

[Guest]

One step further

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]

supernova.

CONGRATS!!

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.

[Guest]

CONGRATS!!

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.

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