Overview
Supernovae are among the most powerful explosions in the universe, marking the end of a star's life cycle. They play a crucial role in nucleosynthesis, the process of creating new elements, which enriches the universe with heavy elements necessary for the formation of planets and life. Understanding...
Key Terms
Example: The Crab Nebula is the remnant of a supernova explosion.
Example: Nucleosynthesis in supernovae creates elements like gold and uranium.
Example: Stellar evolution explains how a star becomes a red giant before exploding as a supernova.
Example: Type Ia supernovae are used as standard candles in measuring cosmic distances.
Example: Type II supernovae are often associated with red supergiants.
Example: The remnants of a supernova can form nebulae or neutron stars.