Types of Supernovae: How to Distinguish Them

[pixel01]

Hi all

Can anyone help me how to distingush among them?

Thank you.

 

[malawi_glenn]

type Ia : White dwarf exploding in binary system.
type Ib,c ; II : Core collapse SN

type I has no Hydrogen spectral lines while type II has.

Do you own a book in astronomy?

See links:
http://zebu.uoregon.edu/~imamura/208/mar1/supernovae.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supernova

 

[tacman]

There are three main types of supernovae: Type Ia, Type Ib/c, and Type II. Each type has distinct characteristics that can be used to distinguish them.

1. Type Ia supernovae are caused by the explosion of a white dwarf star in a binary system. They have a consistent peak brightness and a characteristic pattern in their light curves, making them easier to identify. They also lack hydrogen in their spectra, which helps differentiate them from other types.

2. Type Ib/c supernovae are caused by the core collapse of massive stars. They have a similar light curve to Type Ia, but their spectra show the presence of helium and other elements, indicating the presence of a massive star.

3. Type II supernovae are also caused by the core collapse of massive stars, but they have a different light curve and spectra compared to Type Ib/c. They have a longer duration and a slower decline in brightness, and their spectra show the presence of hydrogen.

Other factors that can help distinguish between these types of supernovae include the location and environment in which they occur, as well as the presence of certain elements in their spectra. Observing the evolution of the supernova and analyzing its spectra can also provide valuable information in distinguishing between the types.

I hope this helps in understanding the different types of supernovae and how to distinguish them. Happy stargazing!