To Infinity and Beyond

Two white dwarf stars orbit around each other once every few minutes. One explodes as a supernova that briefly outshines a galaxy. The companion star, as modeled in this simulation, survives the explosion. It is flung off at a speed fast enough to escape from the Milky Way, to infinity and beyond.

This image is created by a 3D hydrodynamical simulation modeling the interaction between supernova ejecta and a white dwarf companion. As the supernova ejecta slams into the companion, material is stripped from its surface. A shock runs through the companion, causing it to expand and become luminous.