Topic: Supernova

What holds the star together?

What is Supernova?
A supernova is the biggest explosion that humans have ever
seen. Each blast is the extremely bright, super-powerful
explosion of a star.
What causes a supernova?
There are two types:
1. End of the a single stars life
2. Happens in Binary star systems
The Crab Nebula is the leftover, or remnant, of a massive star in our Milky Way that died
6,500 light-years away. Astronomers and careful observers saw the supernova in the year
1054
In this illustration, a white dwarf pulls matter from a companion star. Eventually, this will
cause the white dwarf to explode.
How bright are supernovas?
 Supernova temperature
The temperature in a supernova can reach 1,000,000,000
degrees Celsius. This high temperature can lead to the
production of new elements which may appear in the new
nebula that results after the supernova explosion.
 How common are supernovas?
Astronomers believe that about two or three supernovas occur
each century in galaxies like our own Milky Way.
 What can we learn from supernovas?
• Scientists have learned a lot about the universe by studying
supernovas. They use the second type of supernova like a
ruler, to measure distances in space.
• They have also learned that stars are the universe’s factories.
Stars generate the chemical elements needed to make
everything in our universe. At their cores, stars convert simple
elements like hydrogen into heavier elements. These heavier
elements, such as carbon and nitrogen, are the elements
needed for life.
 How do scientists study supernovas?
NASA scientists use a number of different types of telescopes to
search for and then study supernovas.
 Reference:
• https://spaceplace.nasa.gov/supernova/en/
Thank you