Supernovae
A supernova is an extremely powerful stellar explosion occurring at the end of certain massive stars' life cycles, briefly outshining entire galaxies and dispersing heavy elements throughout space.
Briefly outshining every other star in an entire galaxy combined, these catastrophic stellar explosions scatter the heavy elements throughout space that would eventually become the building blocks of planets and life.
A Catastrophic Stellar Explosion
A supernova represents an extremely powerful explosion occurring at the end of certain massive stars' life cycles, releasing enormous amounts of energy.
Briefly Outshining Entire Galaxies
During peak brightness, a supernova can briefly outshine an entire galaxy containing billions of other stars, before gradually fading over subsequent weeks and months.
Dispersing Heavy Elements
Supernovae disperse heavy elements throughout space, elements that eventually became incorporated into new stars, planets, and, ultimately, living organisms.
Potentially Creating Neutron Stars or Black Holes
The remnant core following a supernova explosion may collapse further into either a neutron star or, for sufficiently massive stars, a black hole.
