1. Article Critic and Reaction Paper |1
Running Head: SUMMARY AND REACTION PAPER
Summary and Reaction Paper
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2. Article Critic and Reaction Paper |2
Summary
The article titled “scientists explain supernovae by candle light”, is written by Gemma
Lavender, and published by Astronomy Now. Basically, the author seeks to intone that there
appears to have been some new approaches into deciphering how type la supernovae actually
occurs. Using examples presented by three other scientists mentioned in the article, the author
presents a simulation of how supernovae occur. The misunderstanding of the Deflagration-to-
Detonation Transition (DDT) mechanism and how its incorporation with previous practicalities
will enable a better understanding of type la supernovae are some of the main ideas contained in
the article.
Strengths and Weaknesses of the Article
To start with, the article contains vivid descriptions of the process until a supernova
occurs. Pictures that explain this have been used non-economically in the article. In addition, the
author ensures that the reader gets to know the difference in several conflicts between old and
new hypotheses revolving around the understanding of supernovae She also uses personal
expressions from the researchers on what actually is being done to heighten this particular new
discovery.
One weakness is the fact that article is purely scientific, thus the wide usage of scientific
connotations. The author also fails to introduce properly what exactly a supernova is, and how it
relates to present day astronomy. In trying to explain the occurrence and mechanism of a
supernova, the author fails to present clearly why the prevailing hypothesis on how type la
supernovae occurs, is lacking. It would have been more interesting if scientists opposing or who
are served on this new discovery were interviewed and their notions put in paper too. The author
simply mentions that there is an ongoing hot debater about DDT, but doesn’t go any further.

3. Article Critic and Reaction Paper |3
Response/Reaction
The text contained in this article can be described as authentic. However, with regard to
its effectiveness, it may be lacking as it seems to be presented for scientists or astronomers.
Therefore, an average person may fail to particularly comprehend its contents, and or identify
with it. In addition, the terminology inferred in the article is way too scientific to be
comprehended by the average reader. It should be noted that the article was unfairly presented
because only one side of the divide was referred to. To make the article interesting would have
demanded that the author complete a fair presentation of how the new discovery actually outwits
the older perception or hypothesis.
Conclusion
Although the article is elaborate on some facts, such as the occurrence of a supernova,
and that DDT actually exist, it lacks in depth and scope and would appear to the trained reader,
to be shallow. The topic being covered seems too big to be summed up into a three page article.
It would have been much more pronounced, had the author given the article and topic, more
headroom for the thesis to mature. However, it is an easy read, and will definitely arouse major
thoughts regarding the formation of the universe in relation to type la supernovae.