¿ìè¶ÌÊÓÆµ

This week’s new questions

What would we see, and how would Earth be affected, if Sirius, the brightest star in our night sky, were to go supernova? And why, when I first step into a hot shower, do I get a brief shiver down my back?

Supernova explosion in the center of galaxy "Elements of this image furnished by NASA "; Shutterstock ID 1838493049; purchase_order: -; job: -; client: -; other: -

What would we see, and how would Earth be affected, if Sirius, the brightest star in our night sky, were to go supernova? Would it be over in a blink or a decade? And would it be visible in daylight?

Jan De Wilde,

Ghent, Belgium

Theres nothing like a rejuvenating shower. Cropped shot of a handsome young man having a refreshing shower at home.; Shutterstock ID 2142806437; purchase_order: -; job: -; client: -; other: -

Why, when I first step into a hot shower, do I get a brief shiver down my back?

Brian Forty,

via email

To answer this question – or ask a new one – email lastword@newscientist.com.

Questions should be scientific enquiries about everyday phenomena, and both questions and answers should be concise. We reserve the right to edit items for clarity and style. Please include a postal address, daytime telephone number and email address.

¿ìè¶ÌÊÓÆµ retains total editorial control over the published content and reserves all rights to reuse question and answer material that has been submitted by readers in any medium or in any format.

Terms and conditions apply.

Topics: Last Word

More from ¿ìè¶ÌÊÓÆµ

Explore the latest news, articles and features