A supernova is a stellar explosion that is more energetic than a nova. Supernovae are extremely luminous and cause a burst of radiation that often briefly outshines an entire galaxy, before fading from view over several weeks or months. During this short interval a supernova can radiate as much energy as the Sun is expected to emit over its entire life span. The explosion expels much or all of a star's material at a velocity of up to 30,000 km/s, driving a shock wave into the surrounding interstellar medium.
On average, supernovae occur about once every 50 years in a galaxy the size of the Milky Way. The expanding shock waves from supernova explosions can trigger the formation of new stars.
No comments:
Post a Comment