Galactic Speed Demons: Ranking the Fastest Stars in the Universe

A new study using data from ESA’s Gaia survey has revealed six additional runaway stars, two of which break the record for the fastest radial velocity of any runaway star ever seen. These stars were launched by Type 1a supernovas, which occur in binary star systems. The study also suggests that double detonation supernovae can produce runaway stars, which are faster than those caused by single detonation supernovae. The fastest star in the galaxy is J0927, with a radial velocity almost twice that of any other star in the galaxy.