How have supernovae shaped the evolution of heavy elements in the Milky Way?

In summary: This means that 2% of the atoms are elements heavier than helium. This means that 2% of the mass of the sun is not hydrogen or helium.In summary, the estimated age of the Milky Way is unknown and there have been various types of supernovae occurring on average 2.2 to 2.7 per century. It is likely that there were more supernovae in the past due to the higher number of massive stars. There is no estimation of the total number of supernovae that have occurred since the formation of the Milky Way. The amount of heavy elements produced by a supernova and the total estimated amount of heavy elements in the Milky Way are unknown. However, it is possible that the number of
  • #1
sumi-e
1
0
Hi, I'm new here. Can someone help me with several sets of questions?

I know the estimated age of the Milky Way. There is information that there are various types of supernovae in the Milky Way that occur on the average of 2.2 to 2.7 per century.

My first set of question: Is this average of supernovae per century constant going back 10 billion years or so? If the average of supernovae in the Milky Way per century changes as you go back in time, what is the change? And why a change? Is there an estimation of the total number of supernovae that has occurred since the formation of the Milky Way? What is that number? How is the number calculated?

Second set of questions, if I may: On the average (or more detailed if the information is there), what amount of heavy elements are produced by a supernova? What is the total estimated amount of heavy elements in the Milky Way? Are the number of supernovae sufficient to account for all the heavy elements in the Milky Way (excluding for the moment any prior collision with another galaxy and the elements that may have come from it)?

Much thanks,

--Greg
 
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  • #2
Question 1. Who knows? Human astronomical records at best go back about 3000 years, and the earliest records are somewhat incomplete. It does stand to reason that when the universe was young, there were probably more stars prone to form supernovae than exist currently.

Question 2. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supernova_nucleosynthesis
 
  • #3
Supernova were more common in the past when massive stars were more common. The metallicity of current generation stars, like the sun, is about 2%.
 

1. What is a supernova?

A supernova is a powerful explosion that occurs when a massive star reaches the end of its life cycle and collapses in on itself, releasing a huge amount of energy and matter into space.

2. How are heavy elements formed in supernovae?

During a supernova, the intense pressure and high temperatures cause fusion reactions to occur, creating new, heavier elements from lighter ones. These elements are then scattered into space by the explosion.

3. What role do supernovae play in the creation of heavy elements?

Supernovae are responsible for creating the majority of heavy elements in the universe. Without these explosions, the elements necessary for life, such as carbon, oxygen, and iron, would not exist.

4. Can we observe the formation of heavy elements in a supernova?

Yes, scientists use telescopes and other instruments to study the light and radiation emitted from supernovae to determine the types of elements being formed. This allows us to better understand the processes involved in heavy element creation.

5. How does the study of supernovae and heavy elements help us understand the universe?

By studying supernovae and the elements they produce, scientists can gain insight into the evolution of stars and the formation of galaxies. This knowledge can help us understand the origins of our universe and the elements that make up our world.

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