On March 21, 2016, NASA scientists recorded something literally out of this world.

Photo: The Telegraph

The scientists captured images of an exploding star, also known as a supernova. For the first time, they were able to record a video of this special phenomenon. If you cannot fathom the wonder of a supernova, a GIF of this video might help.

“Everyone should have their mind blown once a day.”
– Neil deGrasse Tyson

Photo: NASA

This was no easy task as the scientists had to monitor 300 galaxies every half an hour for over three years. The science team utilized the Kepler space telescope to search for exploding stars and managed to catch the explosion of KSN 2011d, a star 500 times the size of our sun.

In addition to the glorious visual stimulation, the video will provide NASA with data on the life cycles of stars. Watch the explosion in its full splendour below.

Video: Nasa's Ames Research Centre