Supernova
A catastrophic stellar explosion marking the death of a star, briefly outshining an entire galaxy and dispersing heavy elements into space.
Governing formula
Type Ia: M = M_Ch; Type II: Core Collapse M > 8 M_☉
SI unit
10⁴⁴ Joules (Energy Output)
In depth
Type Ia supernovae result from runaway thermonuclear fusion in accreting white dwarfs reaching the Chandrasekhar limit. Type II supernovae result from core collapse of massive stars (>8 M_☉) forming neutron stars or black holes.
Examples in the real world
Supernova 1987A in the Large Magellanic Cloud providing observational confirmation of supernova neutrino bursts.