What is a supernova, and why do they matter?

What is a supernova, and why do they matter?

A supernova is the explosion of a star. It is the largest explosion that takes place in space. Supernovas are found in other galaxies but they are difficult to see in our own Milky Way because dust blocks our view. The last recorded supernova exploded in the Milky Way more than a hundred years ago.

What causes Supernovas?

A supernova occurs where there is a change in the core of a star. A change can occur in two different ways, with both resulting in a supernova. The first is between two binary stars. Binary stars are two stars that orbit the same point. One of the binary stars starts stealing matter from the other. The star eventually receives so much matter that it blows up in a massive explosion- a supernova. The other way they occur is at the end of a single star's lifetime. As the star runs out of nuclear fuel its mass 

flows into its core and eventually cannot withstand its own gravitational force and blows up. 

Cool Fact: The sun is a single star but it does not have enough mass to become a supernova.

Why Study Supernovas?

Supernovas tell scientists a lot about the universe. One thing we have learned from them is that we live in an expanding universe that is growing at an increasing rate. They also play a key role in distributing elements throughout the universe. When the star explodes, it puts elements and debris into space. These elements form new stars and planets.

Seeing them

They can be seen by telescopes, X-rays and gamma rays. NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope and Chandra X-ray Observatory have captured images of supernovas. You can also personally hunt for them by using an at home telescope.

Jared Blatt

Mr. Gray

Period G

October 3, 2016