The secrets of supernovae may be locked in moon dust

The secrets of supernova star explosions could be hidden in dust scattered across the moon - and a team of scientists from the China Institute of Atomic Energy (CIAE) has come up with a new way to unlock those clues to star death.

The research could help scientists get a clearer picture of how stars die and provide material for the next generation of stars, planets, moons and sometimes even life - at least when it comes to Earth.

The technique depends on the improved detection of a rare iron isotope found in infinitesimal amounts in lunar dust. This form ...