0
A "supernova" is a nova (Latin "new") explosion of a very large star, creating a nebula of illuminated gas that is one of the most visible of all celestial phenomena.
Remember that a star is a nuclear fusion "engine" that is powered by the fusion of lighter elements to create heavier ones (up through iron). As lighter elements are fused to create heavier ones, energy is released in huge quantities. Gravity holds the star together against the outward force of all the fusion reactions, and the star operates in equilibrium. The extreme energy in the star allows for fusion reactions to continue to occur. But eventually the core of the star is largely sulfur and silicon. The contraction and heating of the star's core allows it to begin massively fusing silicon into iron, and this reaction absorbs energy rather than releasing it.
At some point, the energy created in fusion is insufficient to hold the star "up" against its own gravity, and, having exhausted its "regular" fuel, it will collapse. This is the supernova process. The star collapses causing the outer layers to violently explode outward as gases and dust. The compression of the body of the star in the collapse creates enormous thermal energy that supports the endothermic fusion reactions that create those trans-iron elements (up through uranium). It all occurs in a relatively short period of time. Afterwards, the remnant core may become a super-compressed neutron star, or even a black hole, if the star is massive enough.
Supernovae help enrich the interstellar medium with heavy elements, and shockwaves from the explosion may also trigger star formation. It is believed that the Sun and Solar System formed as a result of a nearby supernova.
While a supernova has not been observed from Earth since 1604, supernova remnants indicate that they occur, on average, about once every 50 years.
See the links and related questions below for more information
What else can I help you with?
What is the name for a supernova cloud?
Nebula. Some nebulae are formed as the result of supernova explosions. The material thrown off from the supernova explosion is ionized by the supernova remnant. One of the best examples of this is the Crab Nebula, in Taurus. It is the result of a recorded supernova, SN 1054, in the year 1054 and at the centre of the nebula is a neutron star, created during the explosion.
Which of these is least likely to result from a supernova?
your mom would be the correct answer.
IS a supernova a celestial body?
A supernova is not a celestial body in itself, but rather an astronomical event where a star suddenly increases greatly in brightness due to an explosive burst of energy. It is the result of the death of a massive star.
Will a neutron star eventually go supernova?
No. A neutron star is left behind after a supernova. However, some gamma ray bursts may result from a collision between neutron stars.
If a star is massive enough what can result after it produces a supernova?
If a star is massive enough, after it produces a supernova it can either leave behind a neutron star or collapse into a black hole, depending on the mass of the original star.
What is the name for a supernova cloud?
Nebula. Some nebulae are formed as the result of supernova explosions. The material thrown off from the supernova explosion is ionized by the supernova remnant. One of the best examples of this is the Crab Nebula, in Taurus. It is the result of a recorded supernova, SN 1054, in the year 1054 and at the centre of the nebula is a neutron star, created during the explosion.
Which of these is least likely to result from a supernova?
your mom would be the correct answer.
IS a supernova a celestial body?
A supernova is not a celestial body in itself, but rather an astronomical event where a star suddenly increases greatly in brightness due to an explosive burst of energy. It is the result of the death of a massive star.
Why are supernova considered factories for the production of heavy elements?
Many Supernova explosion is a result of a nebula the Nubula was the reason why we have a sun 5 billion years ago and today.
Will a neutron star eventually go supernova?
No. A neutron star is left behind after a supernova. However, some gamma ray bursts may result from a collision between neutron stars.
If a star is massive enough what can result after it produces a supernova?
If a star is massive enough, after it produces a supernova it can either leave behind a neutron star or collapse into a black hole, depending on the mass of the original star.
The Crab Nebula is a supernova remnant In which constellation is it located?
The Crab Nebula is located in the constellation of Taurus. It is about 6,500 light-years away from Earth and is the result of a supernova explosion that was observed in the year 1054.
What is the Vela Supernova?
The Vela Supernova is the remnant of a supernova explosion that occurred in the Vela constellation about 11,000 to 12,300 years ago. It is located about 800 light-years away from Earth and is one of the closest known supernova remnants to us.
Does uranium rely on any other energy sources?
The very large nucleus of the uranium atom is a kind of energy storage unit. The energy of that nucleus is the result of the nuclear synthesis reactions that take place in a supernova. In that sense, a supernova is the energy source of uranium.
What is a region in space which is left behind after a major star dies?
A region left behind after a major star dies is called a supernova remnant. Supernova remnants are expanding shells of gas and dust that result from the explosive death of a massive star in a supernova event. They play a crucial role in enriching the interstellar medium with heavy elements and triggering new star formation.
When does supernova occur?
A supernova occurs when a massive star reaches the end of its life cycle and undergoes a catastrophic explosion. This explosion can outshine an entire galaxy for a brief period of time before fading away.
What happen when a supernova collapses suddenly?
When a supernova collapses suddenly, the intense gravitational forces cause the core to shrink rapidly, forcing protons and electrons to combine into neutrons. This results in the formation of a neutron star or a black hole, depending on the initial mass of the collapsing star. The collapse also releases an enormous amount of energy in the form of neutrinos and a blast wave, dispersing heavy elements and enriching the surrounding space.
