Australian supercomputer produces stunning image of remains of dying star’s explosion | Wasim Raja and Pascal Jahan Elahi for the Conversation

Data from Australia's square kilometre array radio telescope was processed by a new supercomputer called Setonix - named after WA's quokka

Within 24 hours of accessing the first stage of Australia's newest supercomputing system, researchers have processed a series of radio telescope observations, including a highly detailed image of a supernova remnant.

The very high data rates and the enormous data volumes from new-generation radio telescopes such as Askap (Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder) need highly capable software running on supercomputers. This is where the Pawsey Supercomputing Research Centre comes into play, with a newly launched supercomputer called Setonix - named after Western Australia's favourite animal, the quokka (Setonix brachyurus).