Science
What is A supernova?
A supernova is the colossal explosion of a dying star — one of the most energetic events in the universe. In moments it can outshine an entire galaxy, and it scatters the heavy elements that make up planets and life.
See it, don’t just read it.
Watch a 2-minute lesson with voice + animation that explains a supernova.
Key things to understand
- 1It's the explosive death of a massive star (or a white dwarf).
- 2Briefly it can outshine billions of stars combined.
- 3It forges and scatters heavy elements (iron, gold) into space.
- 4The leftover can become a neutron star or a black hole.
Frequently asked questions
- What causes a supernova?
- A massive star running out of fuel and collapsing, or a white dwarf taking on too much mass — both end in a violent explosion.
- Why are supernovae important?
- They scatter heavy elements that form planets and life, and trigger new star formation.
- What's left after a supernova?
- Often a dense neutron star, or a black hole for the most massive stars.