A Star Begins to Self-Destruct (IMAGE) University of Chicago Caption A snapshot of a three-dimensional simulation of a Type Ia supernova, shortly after the nuclear flame bubble that initiates the Ia event is ignited slightly off-center from the progenitor white dwarf star (shown here as a light blue surface). Buoyancy forces drive the bubble (shown in yellow and red) rapidly to the surface of the white dwarf. The bubble, consisting of nuclear ash heated to hundreds of millions of degrees, reaches a speed of nearly 2 million miles per hour before erupting from the surface roughly a second after ignition. Credit DOE NNSA ASC/Alliance Flash Center at the Univ. of Chicago. Usage Restrictions This image may be used in connection with news reports describing the research of the University of Chicago Flash Center. License Licensed content Disclaimer: AAAS and EurekAlert! are not responsible for the accuracy of news releases posted to EurekAlert! by contributing institutions or for the use of any information through the EurekAlert system.