EMLAY said:Well actually I'm a degree student looking for information, so although I am grateful of your offer of a wiki link, its not really enough. I'm looking for some academic work on the subject so I can write an essay. Finding books sucks, but any sort of decent online resource with credibility is good, as is any info you might have.
You really think I am so retarded that I'm able to find a physics forum and register, but not able to do a wiki search?
EMLAY said:*bump*
A supernova is a powerful explosion that occurs at the end of a star's life cycle. It is the largest explosion that can happen in the universe and releases an enormous amount of energy and matter into space.
Supernovae form when a massive star runs out of nuclear fuel and can no longer generate enough pressure to support its core. The core then collapses, triggering a massive explosion that destroys the star.
Type I supernovae occur in binary star systems, where one star is a white dwarf and the other is a giant star. The white dwarf pulls material from the giant star until it reaches a critical mass and explodes. Type II supernovae occur in single stars and are caused by the core collapse of a massive star.
A hypernova is a type of supernova that is significantly more energetic and brighter than a regular supernova. It is thought to be caused by the collapse of a very massive star or the merging of two neutron stars.
Supernovae and hypernovae that occur within our own galaxy are unlikely to pose a threat to Earth. However, if a supernova exploded close enough to our planet, it could cause significant damage to the ozone layer and potentially harm life on Earth. However, there are no known supernova candidates that pose a threat to our planet at this time.