In 2018 astronomers witnessed an intense explosion far more powerful than the average supernova. 10 to 100 times brighter! This event was the first of a new class of objects called Luminous Fast Blue Optical Transients (LFBOTs). In this podcast, Dr. Ashley Chrimes discusses LFBOTs and a recently discovered event that is quite different than previously seen LFBOTs.   Bios:  - Rob Sparks is in the Communications, Education and Engagement group at NSF’s NOIRLab in Tucson, Arizona. - Dr. Ashley Chrimes is currently a European Space Agency research fellow, based at the European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC). His research interests are in astrophysical transients, such as gamma-ray bursts, fast blue optical transients and fast radio bursts. His work aims to unravel the progenitors of these transients through their host galaxies and mutli-wavelength emission.   Links:  NOIRLab Press Release: https://noirlab.edu/public/news/noirlab2326/ Hubble Press Release: https://hubblesite.org/contents/news-releases/2023/news-2023-024   NOIRLab social media channels can be found at: https://www.facebook.com/NOIRLabAstro https://twitter.com/NOIRLabAstro https://www.instagram.com/noirlabastro/ https://www.youtube.com/noirlabastro   We've added a new way to donate to 365 Days of Astronomy to support editing, hosting, and production costs.  Just visit: https://www.patreon.com/365DaysOfAstronomy and donate as much as you can! Share the podcast with your friends and send the Patreon link to them too!  Every bit helps! Thank you! ------------------------------------ Do go visit http://www.redbubble.com/people/CosmoQuestX/shop for cool Astronomy Cast and CosmoQuest t-shirts, coffee mugs and other awesomeness! http://cosmoquest.org/Donate This show is made possible through your donations.  Thank you! (Haven't donated? It's not too late! Just click!) ------------------------------------ The 365 Days of Astronomy Podcast is produced by the Planetary Science Institute. http://www.psi.edu Visit us on the web at 365DaysOfAstronomy.org or email us at info@365DaysOfAstronomy.org.