supernova


supernovasearch for term

A violent stellar explosion that releases energy exceeding the luminosity of an entire galaxy or the radiated energy from the Sun over one billion years. Astronomers divide supernovae into two groups: Type I and Type II. Low mass stars most likely produce Type I supernovae, which are caused by white dwarf stars in binary systems that blow off material accumulated from the binary companion. Stars of eight or more solar masses become Type II supernovae, which are simply the explosion at the end of the life of massive stars. Both neutron stars and black holes can result from Type II supernovae.

Astronomers can use data from supernovae to estimate the distance to them. Most observed supernova lie within other galaxies, thus allowing astronomers to check distance calibrations outside of the Milky Way and the expansion rate of the universe. In addition, supernovae observations can reveal the relative abundances of elements blown into the interstellar medium as a result of the explosion. This information helps astronomers understand how materials are recycled in galaxies.