What Causes a Supernova Explosion?
A Supernova Explosion in Process
A supernova occurs when a super massive star explodes. It is a dramatic end to a star’s life.
Supernovae (which is the plural form of supernova) become very bright and cause an enormous burst of radiation that can outshine an entire galaxy before disappearing. The outburst usually lasts about a month and expels much of a star’s remaining matter at an extremely high rate of speed – typically around one tenth the speed of light. This creates a shock wave that effects the interstellar medium in the vicinity of the supernova.
So how does this explosion happen? The right ingredients need to be in place. Supernovae are extremely rare – occurring only once every fifty years within a galaxy the size of our own Milky Way.
Notice the Expanding Sphere of Matter Around this Supernova
They can only happen when an aging massive star can no longer generate energy from nuclear fusion and undergoes a rapid gravitational collapse. This collapse releases potential energy that heats up and throws off the outer layers of the star in the form of an enormous explosion.
While it is difficult to predict when the next supernova may occur, scientist have speculated that there are a couple of good candidates in our galaxy. Rho Cassiopeiae, Eta Carinae, RS Ophiuchi, U Scorpii, VY Canis Majoris, Betelgeuse, Antares, and Spica all could explode within the next thousand to hundred million years – which is a very short time on the galactic scale!
Related articles:
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The Nebula: A Galactic Nursery with Supernova Remnants
Remembering the Challenger Shuttle Explosion: A Disaster 25 Years Ago
Giant Red Gas Bubble in Space
What is the Christmas Star?
Thor’s Helmet Nebula
I have been learning about Space for at least six months now and I know almost half as much as a Scientist or an Astronaut! I am only ten years old and that is a lot to know at my age. I am very into Space but I could do with a few websites as well as this website to learn. Anyone who reads this and tells me some websites will be the people I am pleased with.
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robert replied:
September 15th, 2011 at 11:36 am
just go to the history channel or else go to hubblespace site
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robert replied:
September 15th, 2011 at 11:38 am
witch i am meaning go to google and type in black holes and go to the very fist website and i am 16 i like science too it is fun reading anf finding out about the universe
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lupita replied:
February 27th, 2012 at 8:53 pm
hi iam learning alot about space
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Nikko replied:
November 18th, 2012 at 10:06 pm
Hey Sarah,
i doubt you will even still be looking at this page, but is you are, one good place to go is N.A.S.A. They have alot of good information there. But if you would like something a little simpler, go to WorldBookOnline. I hope this helps you.
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lesrned more here than in my science
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Why can no one spell correctly?
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