Supernovae

Supernovae are astronomical events that occur during the last stages of a massive star's life cycle, resulting in a dramatic and luminous explosion. This explosion outshines entire galaxies for a brief period and can briefly be visible from great distances across the universe. Supernovae are classified into two main types: Type I, which occurs in binary systems where a white dwarf accumulates matter from a companion star and undergoes carbon fusion; and Type II, which occurs in massive stars that have exhausted their nuclear fuel and collapse under their own gravity, leading to a rapid explosion. The remnants of a supernova can include neutron stars or black holes, and the explosion disperses heavy elements formed within the star into space, contributing to the formation of new stars and planets. Supernovae are significant in astrophysics for their role in enriching the interstellar medium and for their use as standard candles in measuring cosmic distances.