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April 20, 2015

Q is for Quasar Explosion


My theme for my 2015 A to Z Challenge came from my Disaster Crimes series. Disasters are a theme in each story, so it got me thinking about all the disasters that occur from natural disasters to manmade disasters.

Today’s disaster is...
QUASAR EXPLOSION

I've got a space disaster for you today!

 Quasars are compact regions of luminous electromagnetic energy, including radio waves and visible light located in the centre of distant, young galaxies surrounding supermassive black holes. (Can you say that three times fast?) 

 In short terms, they are bright galaxy cores with a black hole in the middle. Their luminosity, which is created by material being sucked into the black hole, can be 100x greater than the Milky Way which has 200 – 400 billion stars.

FACT: In 2012, a quasar known as ‘SDSS J1106+1939’ emitted the greatest high energy explosion ever observed. This blast was some 2 trillion times more energetic than the sun!

Galaxies only act as quasars during the early stages of their lives, which could last for billions of years. When a quasar dies, only the black hole remains.
Although there is a supermassive black hole at the center of the Milky Way, it is considered a middle-aged galaxy and the time for a quasar to occur is probably long gone.

QUESTION: Who here is fascinated by space science? *raises hand*
Disasters:
A: Avalanche
B: Blizzard and Blackout
C: Cyclone
D: Drought and Dust Storm
E: Earthquake
F: Flood
G: Gas Explosion
H: Hailstorm
I: Ice Storm and Iceberg
J. Judgment Day
K: Killings
L: Limnic Eruption and Lightning Storm
M: Mudslide
N: Nuclear Meltdown
O: Oil Spill
P: Plague
Q: Quasar Explosion

I'm a member of Tremp's Troops!

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98 comments:

  1. nashvillecats2April 20, 2015 at 7:25 AM

    You have certainly done your homework Chrys. Excellent post and wonderful to read.
    Yvonne.

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  2. UnknownApril 20, 2015 at 7:48 AM

    I was wondering what you were going to do for Q!--well done.

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  3. Nick WilfordApril 20, 2015 at 8:07 AM

    So all the stars and any planets get destroyed when the quasar explodes? Woah.

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  4. Jennifer HawesApril 20, 2015 at 8:07 AM

    I am fascinated by science (especially space;)

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  5. Alex J. CavanaughApril 20, 2015 at 8:14 AM

    That's a lot of quasars...
    Since they are early formations of galaxies, does that mean there is a black hole at the center of ours?

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    Replies
    1. Chrys FeyApril 20, 2015 at 9:16 AM

      I have no idea...that's something to look into.

      Delete
  6. Tasha Duncan-DrakeApril 20, 2015 at 8:37 AM

    *Raises hand too* :) I love space science. I worked for British Aerospace Space Systems as an apprentice before and while I was at Uni - it was interesting, but far less cool than I had hoped ;).
    Tasha
    Tasha's Thinkings | Wittegen Press | FB3X (AC)

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    1. Chrys FeyApril 20, 2015 at 9:17 AM

      Working there does sound interesting. I wonder what you did...?

      Delete
  7. bettyApril 20, 2015 at 9:02 AM

    I think it is interesting with space science; a lot of it I don't understand, but it is interesting what is out there :)

    betty

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    1. Chrys FeyApril 20, 2015 at 9:18 AM

      There so so much out there and that's what makes space science so fascinating. :)

      Delete
  8. Pat HattApril 20, 2015 at 9:03 AM

    I wonder what is on the other side of a black hole. Maybe more quasars? lol

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  9. Tamara NarayanApril 20, 2015 at 9:08 AM

    Interesting video. I'm glad these things are so very far away from earth. It makes me curious as to how the scientists are finding them.

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  10. Jay NoelApril 20, 2015 at 9:14 AM

    The thing about space is that all that power and size is just incomprehensible. 2 trillion times more powerful than our own sun? I can't even conceive that.

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  11. Hart JohnsonApril 20, 2015 at 9:27 AM

    Okay, this would be the SUCKIEST disaster to experience. End of all life, permanent vacuum... Nice finding though, on a Q disaster...

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    1. Chrys FeyApril 20, 2015 at 9:42 AM

      It would be the suckiest disaster. Hopefully we don't have a black hole at the center of our young galaxy. Alex mentioned that and now I'm worried.

      Delete
  12. Stephanie BirdApril 20, 2015 at 9:38 AM

    Awesome, beautiful and absolutely frightening all at once. Good material for speculative fiction writers. Hopefully it stays in their hands.

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    1. Chrys FeyApril 20, 2015 at 9:43 AM

      Those are the three most perfect words to describe this disaster, Stephanie. It would be neat to inspire speculative fiction writers with this post. :)

      Delete
  13. Patricia Lynne aka Patricia JosephineApril 20, 2015 at 10:21 AM

    That is cool. Space is fascinating.

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  14. Jeffrey ScottApril 20, 2015 at 10:30 AM

    I do love space sciences. Will watch any show that comes on. I was actually a member of an astronomical society for awhile, but unfortunately, I had no more time for it. :(
    Quasar Scince? Yes.
    Quantum Science? No.
    Some things my brain won't retain. Wow, that rhymed that time.

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    1. Chrys FeyApril 20, 2015 at 11:09 AM

      Haha! My brain can't wrap itself around quantum science either.

      Yay for rhyming! I love it when that happens. :P

      Delete
  15. Sarah FosterApril 20, 2015 at 10:47 AM

    Very interesting! I know absolutely nothing about space science. I should probably learn more.

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  16. J.H. MoncrieffApril 20, 2015 at 10:53 AM

    I used to handle the communications and publicity for a planetarium and science centre. I definitely qualify!

    Any idea what causes them to explode?

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    Replies
    1. Chrys FeyApril 20, 2015 at 11:12 AM

      That sounds neat!

      No idea. Perhaps they suck in so much particles and energy that they explode from over-consumption? I'm guessing...

      Delete
  17. David Powers KingApril 20, 2015 at 11:25 AM

    You don't want to be near one of those explosions, that's for sure. :)

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  18. Susan Gourley/KelleyApril 20, 2015 at 11:25 AM

    It's amazing how much we know about these things when they happen so far away from us.

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    1. Chrys FeyApril 20, 2015 at 1:57 PM

      It is amazing. We have awesome technology and great minds that study this.

      Delete
  19. CherdoApril 20, 2015 at 11:45 AM

    I'm still worried about the mudslides...and I live in a huge field.

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  20. BirgitApril 20, 2015 at 12:43 PM

    I love watching Star Trek and all of that stuff but that is where it lies. Oh well-I never realized until recently that i was not a space geek...I am a geek in many other areas or a freak, can take your pick..but not this:)

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    1. Chrys FeyApril 20, 2015 at 1:59 PM

      Being a geek in other ways is great, though. :D

      Delete
  21. sageApril 20, 2015 at 1:20 PM

    Good one! To paraphrase Jimmy Buffett, "I don't know where I'm gonna go when the Quasar blows..."

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    1. Chrys FeyApril 20, 2015 at 1:59 PM

      I feel silly asking who Jimmy Buffett is. The name isn't ringing any bells.

      Delete
  22. cleemckenzieApril 20, 2015 at 1:34 PM

    Those Quasars can cause a universe of trouble by creating Black Holes. Gives me the shakes just thinking about it.

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  23. Carrie-AnneApril 20, 2015 at 1:48 PM

    I've long been fascinated by space, particularly the ultimate fate of the Universe. I'm filled with cold horror and sadness when I think about what might happen to Planet Earth when the Sun becomes a Red Giant, and also wonder what the night sky might look like if Earth survives and still holds human life when the Sun has turned into a little White Dwarf.

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    1. Chrys FeyApril 20, 2015 at 2:01 PM

      I hope the Sun doesn't become a Red Giant for a very long time and that Earth will continue go on for generations.

      Delete
  24. Beverly Stowe McClureApril 20, 2015 at 1:50 PM

    Hand raised. Interesting. I taught fifth grade science and we discussed the universe a little, but didn't study black holes. They are fascinating.

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    1. Chrys FeyApril 20, 2015 at 2:01 PM

      Black holes are fascinating. I've been interested in them since watching Contact. :)

      Delete
  25. Sherry EllisApril 20, 2015 at 1:53 PM

    Quasars are cool. I am most definitely interested in space science. My hand is raised!

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    1. Chrys FeyApril 20, 2015 at 2:02 PM

      Yay! I'm so happy to find out so many of my blogger buddies like space science. :D

      Delete
  26. Sophie DuncanApril 20, 2015 at 3:06 PM

    Space science just boggles my mind, the distances and powers involved are phenominal, and quasars and black holes, they are stunning and awe inspiring things. :)
    Sophie
    Sophie's Thoughts & Fumbles
    FB3X
    Wittegen Press

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    1. Chrys FeyApril 20, 2015 at 4:46 PM

      It is mind-boggling and spectacular. I think that's why I like space science so much. :)

      Delete
  27. Liz A.April 20, 2015 at 3:41 PM

    At one time I wanted to be an astronomer.

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  28. Sean @ His And Her HobbiesApril 20, 2015 at 4:19 PM

    Great use of Q with your theme. I had heard of the term Quasar before but never knew what it meant. Now I have learned something which is always a good thing. I loved how you explained it in simple terms too as that is how I finally understood it.

    Sean at His and Her Hobbies

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    1. Chrys FeyApril 20, 2015 at 4:47 PM

      It took me a while to understand it so I could explain it in simple terms. ;P

      Delete
  29. CA HeavenApril 20, 2015 at 4:22 PM

    I think space science is cool at the popular-science level. When I was a student, I took a couple of courses in astrophysics. It was a little bit disappointing and boring, so I rather specialized in quantum physics, which i more fun, I think >:)

    Cold As Heaven

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    1. Chrys FeyApril 20, 2015 at 4:48 PM

      I wish my school offered astronomy and astrophysics. I would've enrolled in both! You understand quantum physics? Wow! I can't wrap my mind around that.

      Delete
  30. LisaApril 20, 2015 at 4:53 PM

    Wow. This is truly mind boggling. I really can't imagine something this big, old, powerful and far away. Space is amazing and yes, I am fascinated by space science... just glad I don't live outside this planet! Lisa, co-host AtoZ 2015, @ http://www.lisabuiecollard.com

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  31. Jeff ChapmanApril 20, 2015 at 5:14 PM

    Thanks for the science lesson. Very interesting.

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  32. S. L. HennessyApril 20, 2015 at 5:26 PM

    Oh no, not a dreaded SPACE DISASTER! Though I must say, of all the disasters you've chosen, I probably find this one the least terrifying (though still adequately concerning).

    Good luck with the A to Z Challenge!
    A to Z Co-Host S. L. Hennessy
    http://pensuasion.blogspot.com/

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    1. Chrys FeyApril 20, 2015 at 7:53 PM

      The least terrifying because it's unlikely to happen...but adequately concerning because who knows, right? ;)

      Delete
  33. J E OneilApril 20, 2015 at 5:26 PM

    Ooh, this might be the coolest disaster that you've done. I'm definitely going to raise my hand.

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  34. Cortney PearsonApril 20, 2015 at 5:59 PM

    Wow that is just plain beautiful!

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  35. Lisa ThomsonApril 20, 2015 at 6:32 PM

    This is mind boggling! I always get overwhelmed when I think of space science but it's so fascinating. Loved the little video! Quasar---that's a new word for me. Thanks, Chrys!

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    1. Chrys FeyApril 20, 2015 at 7:55 PM

      Glad you liked the video, Lisa. Quasar was a new Q word for me too. :)

      Delete
  36. UnknownApril 20, 2015 at 6:46 PM

    Interesting, thanks for the info Chrys

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  37. Stephanie FarisApril 20, 2015 at 7:25 PM

    Very creative choice for Q, which is always a tough one!

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    1. Chrys FeyApril 20, 2015 at 7:56 PM

      It was a toughy. I was glad when I ran across this one in my research.

      Delete
  38. Stephen TrempApril 20, 2015 at 7:35 PM

    Now you're talking! Who doesn;t love a good quasar? I know I do.

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    1. Chrys FeyApril 20, 2015 at 7:56 PM

      I am thrilled to make my leader happy with my Q post. ;)

      Delete
  39. AnonymousApril 20, 2015 at 9:35 PM

    Interesting stuff. I remember reading about this in astronomy. I loved that science class.

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  40. Tammy TheriaultApril 21, 2015 at 2:34 AM

    Never heard of it. Wow! Looks awesome though

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  41. BlogorattiApril 21, 2015 at 4:05 AM

    Very nice and cool stuff, thanks for that!

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  42. Salvwi PrasadApril 21, 2015 at 4:33 AM

    Wow, learnt about a new phenomena here. Thanks :)

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    1. Chrys FeyApril 21, 2015 at 9:03 AM

      That's what I was hoping this post would do. :) You're welcome!

      Delete
  43. AnonymousApril 21, 2015 at 7:50 AM

    Anything that involves astronomy makes my head hurt. I cannot wrap my head around the sheer size.
    With matter in the billions and an explosion force 2 TRILLION times greater than the sun is simply beyond my comprehension!!

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    Replies
    1. Chrys FeyApril 21, 2015 at 9:04 AM

      That is hard to comprehend but amazing to think about. :)

      Delete
  44. Hilary Melton-ButcherApril 21, 2015 at 9:17 AM

    Hi Chrys .. I loved writing my Solar Eclipse post at the end of March - I put so much stuff in it .. but loved it all and the learning from it .. Quasars are extraordinary .. and the Sky is one big questionmark up there .. cheers Hilary

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    1. Chrys FeyApril 21, 2015 at 9:19 AM

      Learning about space is so fun fun for me. It doesn't feel like research. :)

      Delete
  45. Shell FlowerApril 21, 2015 at 9:35 AM

    Quasars really are fascinating. Wouldn't want to be near one exploding.

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  46. Rachel PattinsonApril 21, 2015 at 11:42 AM

    This is great! I'm totally going to try and work a quasar explosion into my next book ;). I absolutely love finding out about space - it's one of my favourite subjects :)

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    1. Chrys FeyApril 21, 2015 at 1:54 PM

      That is awesome! I'm thrilled to inspire you with this post. :)

      Delete
  47. diedre KnightApril 21, 2015 at 3:06 PM

    Wow! And, yikes...:-) Terrific post, Chrys!

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  48. Timothy S. BrannanApril 21, 2015 at 3:51 PM

    I love anything to do with space. Always been a huge interest for me for as long as I can remember.

    --
    Tim Brannan, The Other Side Blog
    2015 A to Z of Vampires
    http://theotherside.timsbrannan.com/

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  49. UnknownApril 23, 2015 at 8:59 PM

    I have never heard of these before. Truly interesting ! :) Thanks for sharing.

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