Stellar Evolution

Nova & Supernova

14.10 - Understand the principal stages and timescales of stellar evolution for stars of much larger mass than the Sun, including:
d) supernova

There are two types of these items. Nova and Supernova. There are two types of Supernova also. Incidentally you will see references to the plural of these which are Novae and Supernovae.

Nova

Nova is a dwarf with large mass takes material from a giant with low mass in a binary system. The surplus mass on the dwarf builds up and the material explodes. This process is often repeated.

Supernova

Supernova is the brightest event in space. There are two types of supernova:

1. Similar to a nova where a smaller star will take mass from a giant but this time the stars explodes and destroys itself.
2. When a red giant's core with a mass greater than several solar masses and collapses in on itself at the end of its life. These are dramatic events as once they explode the core forms a neutron star or a black hole.

The light curve shows a drastic increase in brightness before receding to a small luminance after a few months.

A planetary nebula is usually seen in the region of a supernova for days or years afterwards.