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Novas

Supernovas and Novas are terms to describe the massive explosion of a star that has reached the end of its life.

357 Questions

Explain how heavier elements are formed from hydrogen within the core of a star?

Heavier elements are formed through nuclear fusion reactions in the core of a star. Hydrogen atoms are fused together under high pressure and temperature to form helium. Further fusion reactions involving helium nuclei lead to the formation of heavier elements like carbon, oxygen, and up to iron. These elements are produced through a series of nuclear reactions that occur as the star evolves.

What is it called when the sun explodes?

When the sun uses up all its nuclear fuel and explodes, it is known as a supernova. During this catastrophic event, the star releases a tremendous amount of energy and creates a bright burst of light before eventually collapsing into a dense core.

What happens to stars that explode?

When stars explode, they release a tremendous amount of energy in a violent explosion known as a supernova. Depending on the mass of the star, it may collapse into a compact object like a neutron star or a black hole, or scatter its materials into space, enriching the surrounding regions with heavy elements.

How big is cassiopeia?

Cassiopeia is a constellation in the northern sky. It is one of the 88 modern constellations and occupies an area of 598 square degrees. It is easily visible in the northern hemisphere during certain times of the year.

How hot are the brightest stars?

The brightest stars, known as O-type stars, can have surface temperatures ranging from 30,000°C to 50,000°C (54,000°F to 90,000°F). These temperatures are significantly hotter than the surface of the Sun, which has a temperature of about 5,500°C (9,932°F).

Why will the Sun not become a nova?

We cannot be sure it won't.

What we can be sure of, for it to become a nova, it first has to become a white dwarf, and this will not happen for another 6 billion years. Then another star has to come close enough for material from it, to accrete onto the surface.

The chances of another star coming that close, is quite slim.

Where is the Crab Nebula?

It's difficult to be precise because of the great distance from us (~6,500 light years). It either lies on the rim of the Orion arm or the rim of the Perseus rim. [See related link]

Messenger god of trade and exchange my size relies on the brightest star's range?

Hermes, the messenger god in Greek mythology, presided over trade and exchange. His size, often depicted as small or swift, is said to be influenced by the range of the brightest star, which may refer to his agility and flexibility in his role as the messenger god.

Will Betelgeuse become a neutron star?

After a supernova explosion in Betelgeuse it will definitely become at least a neutron star. However, because of it's mass it's more than likely to become a black hole. If it does, then it will be the closest black hole to Earth.

These stars are produced during a supernova event?

The stars produced during a supernova event are known as neutron stars or black holes. Neutron stars are extremely dense remnants of massive stars, while black holes are formed when the core of a massive star collapses. Both neutron stars and black holes have unique properties and play a significant role in the cosmic landscape.

How are pulsars related to supernovas?

Pulsars are formed during a supernova event when a massive star explodes, leaving behind a dense core called a neutron star. As this neutron star rotates rapidly, it emits beams of radiation that we detect as pulses, hence the name "pulsars." So, pulsars are directly related to the remnants of supernova explosions.

Exactly how do scientist know that supernovae's have existed?

Because they have been observed with the naked eye, optical telescopes, radio telescopes and neutrino detectors.

Look at a piece of gold, and you are looking at the result of a supernova explosion.

What mass is required for a Type ll supernova?

A Type II supernova occurs when a massive star with about 8-20 times the mass of the Sun exhausts its nuclear fuel and collapses under its own gravity. The mass required for a Type II supernova is typically around 8 solar masses.

Where does the huge luminosity of a supernova come from?

The huge luminosity of a supernova comes from the incredible amount of energy released during the explosion. This energy is produced as the core of the star collapses and rebounds, causing a shock wave that propagates through the outer layers of the star and produces intense light and heat.

What type of stars end their lives as supernovae?

Massive stars with at least eight times the mass of the Sun end their lives as supernovae. During their final stages, they undergo a rapid collapse and explosion, releasing an immense amount of energy and forming a bright supernova.

Why do stars have spikes?

They don't.

It's just an atmospheric effect that causes the stars light to fluctuate and thus make them appear as if they have the "common" star shape. In reality, they are all basically just round.

If you looked at a star from outer space you would see the difference.

Explain how the heavier elements such as iron are produced in astrophysical processes?

Heavier atoms which could not be formed as a result of fusion are produced as the result of a star that has run out of fuel exploding. It essentially forces atoms which do not release energy to fuse together.

Why is Supernova 1987A particularly important to astronomers?

SN1987A was the the closest observed supernova since the invention of the telescope. The previous supernova, SN1604 was only observed with basic equipment and of course the naked eye.

It also gave astronomers the ability to calculate it's distance at 168,000 light years.

Can you see a white dwarf?

Yes you can see a white dwarf star. but you will need a powerful telescope.

The nearest white dwarf to us, is Sirius B at a distance of 8.6 light years. It was first discovered using a 18.5-inch (470 mm) aperture telescope.

What is the difference between the crab nebula and the Orion nebula?

Crab Nebula:

  • Pulsar wind nebula
  • Supernova remnant
  • Radius of 5.5 ly
  • 6,500 light years away

Orion Nebula:

  • Diffuse nebula
  • Stellar nursery
  • Radius of 12 ly
  • 1,244 light years away

Edit: M1, the Crab Nebula, is related to the death of a star. The Orion Nebula, M42, is relateted to the birth of stars.

What is a star called right before it explodes?

Normally it is known as the supernova's progenitor star.

What two factors determine how bright a star looks from earth?

The two factors that determine how bright a star looks from Earth are its intrinsic luminosity (actual brightness) and its distance from Earth. Stars that are more luminous and closer to Earth will appear brighter in the night sky.

How long will it take for a star to explode?

It will all depend on it's mass, temperature and metallicity. The larger the star, the shorter it's life span will be.

It can be millions to billions of years.

Not all stars explode, some will just shred their outer layers and slowly cool off. This is what will happen to out Sun.

Can our sun ever undergo a supernova explosion?

No, our sun does not have enough mass to undergo a supernova explosion. It will eventually exhaust its nuclear fuel and expand into a red giant before shedding its outer layers to form a planetary nebula. The remaining core will cool down and become a white dwarf.