Supernovas

Supernovas

Supernovas are caused when large stars explode, releasing so much energy in such a short time that they often outshine entire galaxies. There are two main types of supernovas. Type 1 supernovas occur when a smaller white dwarf siphons off material from a larger companion star. When the dwarf exceeds its Chandrasekhar Limit, it becomes unstable and produces one of the largest explosions known in the universe. The type II supernova occurs when a very massive star runs out of nuclear fuel in its core. The core then collapses under unhindered gravitational pressure, then heats up and expands rapidly, meeting the inrushing outer shells. The resulting shock waves blow the outer layers of the star away. These become supernova remnants, which create some of the spectacular nebulae in the universe. [TB] {SL}