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Brighton Astro: The Star That Refused to Fade
The 37-Year Mystery of Supernova 1987A – Lealahni Woulfe, University of Sussex
April 2 @ 7:00 pm – 9:30 pm


- DOORS: 7.00pm
- LECTURE: 7.30pm
In February 1987, a supernova exploded in a nearby galaxy, but hours before the light arrived, detectors caught 25 mysterious particles called neutrinos. These “ghost particles” told us something extraordinary should be left behind at the heart of the explosion. It took 37 years to find it.
Come along to explore the astrophysics of stellar death, the incredible 1987 neutrino detection, and how the James Webb Space Telescope finally solved the mystery in 2024. We will also look ahead to what is next for neutrino astronomy, including the detectors waiting for the next galactic supernova, which could happen at any moment.
Lealahni is a medical student at Brighton and Sussex Medical School, fascinated by the intersection between neuroscience and physics. Originally planning to become a theoretical particle physicist, she has pursued this passion through years of volunteering at the South Downs Planetarium alongside research projects at the University of Sussex, Rutherford Appleton Laboratory, and PTB Berlin.
At Brighton Astro we are captivated by stars, bewitched by the moon and fascinated by space.Brighton Astro is a group of cosmic enthusiasts who meet regularly to discuss the universe, exchange knowledge and to gaze at the stars. We are not scientists or scholars, we are ordinary people curious about the wonders of space.Brighton Astro is FREE and open to everybody, from beginners to experts. Why not come along next month and learn about space?
Brighton Astro is inclusive and welcomes everybody.
Attendance is free, but we would be grateful if those of you who are able to could donate a few pounds to help cover costs. We will have a card reader and a money box you can drop your donations in on the night. We also have a bank account you can donate to electronically.
Please only come along if you’ve signed up, as we’re limited on space so won’t be able to fit anyone else in.
If you can no longer attend, please update your status to say that you are no longer attending so that someone on the waiting list gets a place.


