In the life cycle of a star what stage occurs immediately before a supernova explosion?

Answer 1

The remnant core of a star that becomes a supernova will normally be a neutron star, or possibly a pulsar (a rapidly spinning neutron star). The largest of stars would theoretically create a black hole, a singularity containing all of the core's mass at a single point and preventing even light from escaping its massive gravity.

Answer 2

It depends on the mass of a star. A supernova can do one of 4 things:

It can blow itself to bits

It can implode into a black hole

It can turn into a neutron star (extremely high gravitational pull)

It can turn into a magnetar (extemely high magnetic pull)

Answer 3

Supernovae occur in the giant phase of the main sequence of a star, typically in a red giant star.

Answer 4

The star will pulse - as if taking it's last breath.