Supernova
A supernova is a star that has reached the end of its life, or exploded. A supernova is a huge ball of light, and it is the main source of heavy things in our universe. Supernovae are one of the most energetic explosions in nature. It is a very luminous explosion outshining a whole galaxy at times, and VERY high energy. The star explodes because the star has used up its hydrogen and helium fuel. The explosion of a supernova can shine with brightness of 10 billion suns. These stars also explode because of a shock wave from gravity. Gravity is what gives the supernova it’s energy.
What Happens When It Explodes?
Mass flows into the core and once it gets so full and massive it implodes which later turns into an explosion. After the explosion the core collapses creating a black hole. The star explodes which makes billions of atoms go into space forming a nebula. A nebula is just a lot of atoms and molecules floating in space. Elements such as carbon, oxygen, nitrogen, silicon, and iron that are on Earth come from supernovae.
When do Supernovae happen?
Supernovae are very rare in our galaxy. They happen about once a century. The latest supernova to occur was in 1680. If you go outside at night and look up in the sky you can sometimes see a supernova if you’re lucky. The first supernovae to happen occurred 14 billion years ago.
More About Supernovae
Supernovae are classified into two different categories, Type ll and Type la. The difference between these two are: Type ll is caused by a collapse in the stars core, and the Type la is caused by a sudden thermonuclear explosion. Our own sun would never become a supernova because it doesn’t have enough gravity; it would just become a white dwarf. A white dwarf is a dense star that has exhausted all its nuclear fuel, or burned out. When the supernova is over, it leaves behind a nebula and a black hole. The explosion of the supernova only lasts for about 100 seconds.
Citations
"What Is A Supernova? | Space.com." 2011. 28 Jan. 2013 <http://www.space.com/6638-supernova.html>
"Supernovae - Imagine The Universe! - NASA." 28 Jan. 2013 <http://imagine.gsfc.nasa.gov/docs/science/know_l2/supernovae.html>
"Supernovas & Supernova Remnants - Chandra X-ray Observatory." 28 Jan. 2013 <http://chandra.harvard.edu/xray_sources/supernovas.html>
"The Last Supernova : Discovered | The Ultimate Renaissance." 2009. 29 Jan. 2013 <http://theultimaterenaissance.com/2008/05/18/the-last-supernova-discovered/>
"Supernova - Space for Kids!." 2012. 29 Jan. 2013 <http://scienceforkids.kidipede.com/physics/space/supernova.htm>
How long does the supernova stage of a star last? - Curious About ..." 2002. 29 Jan. 2013 <http://curious.astro.cornell.edu/question.php?number=49>
http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2013/01/supernova-remnants-gallery/
http://www.flero.net/nasa-spacescapes/image-of-the-cassiopeia-a-supernova-remnant-from-nasas-chandra/
http://www.wallmay.net/Outer_space/Galaxies/outer_space_galaxies_supernova_1280x800_wallpaper_78574
http://hypersonic53.deviantart.com/art/Dark-Supernova-with-backdrop-321341384
"Supernovae - Imagine The Universe! - NASA." 28 Jan. 2013 <http://imagine.gsfc.nasa.gov/docs/science/know_l2/supernovae.html>
"Supernovas & Supernova Remnants - Chandra X-ray Observatory." 28 Jan. 2013 <http://chandra.harvard.edu/xray_sources/supernovas.html>
"The Last Supernova : Discovered | The Ultimate Renaissance." 2009. 29 Jan. 2013 <http://theultimaterenaissance.com/2008/05/18/the-last-supernova-discovered/>
"Supernova - Space for Kids!." 2012. 29 Jan. 2013 <http://scienceforkids.kidipede.com/physics/space/supernova.htm>
How long does the supernova stage of a star last? - Curious About ..." 2002. 29 Jan. 2013 <http://curious.astro.cornell.edu/question.php?number=49>
http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2013/01/supernova-remnants-gallery/
http://www.flero.net/nasa-spacescapes/image-of-the-cassiopeia-a-supernova-remnant-from-nasas-chandra/
http://www.wallmay.net/Outer_space/Galaxies/outer_space_galaxies_supernova_1280x800_wallpaper_78574
http://hypersonic53.deviantart.com/art/Dark-Supernova-with-backdrop-321341384