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Supernova

What is a supernova?
A supernova is the largest explosion that humans have ever seen. Each explosion is the extremely bright and super powerful explosion of a star.

What causes a Supernova?
One type of supernova is caused by the "last hooray" of a dying massive star. This occurs when a star at least five times the mass of our sun comes out with a fantastic bang!

Classification:

  • Type I supernova. Type I supernovae don't show a line in the hydrogen spectrum, that is, hydrogen isn't found in their debris.
  • Type II supernova This kind of supernova shows a line in the hydrogen spectrum in the debris that remains after the explosion, that is, they retain their hydrogen and helium envelope before exploding.