What is a Supernova?
A supernova (from the Latin new, "new") are stellar explosions which can manifest itself in a very noticeable way and with cataclysmic dimensions that produce powerful flashes of light that can last from several weeks to several months. These phenomena have an intrinsic relationship with the evolution of the stars in our galaxies, as well as with its role in the formation of elements In the universe.
They are identified by a rapid increase in light intensity to achieve an absolute magnitude greater than the rest of the galaxy. However, few stars become supernovae. The vast majority cool down and end their days as white dwarfs and, successively, as black dwarfs.
Supernovae are not very common phenomena. Astronomers estimate that two or three supernovae occur every century in galaxies like our own, the Milky Way. However, their study is crucial to understanding the dark energy in the universe, as well as large-scale events.
How does a supernova occur?
After endless studies, astronomers have managed to advance in understanding the starbursts called supernovae, and the theory is simple. If the star has a mass eight times that of our Sun, or a greater density, the star will explode in the form of a supernova. This phenomenon is often related to the observation of astronomical events significant including research on advanced telescopes and other devices that allow us to learn more about the universe.
It is a process of billions of years, that is, very long. Although there are variants of its end depending on the mass of the star, its beginning is identical in all cases: stars adsorb their hydrogen to generate helium through nuclear fusion. This is how they get the energy that makes them shine.
When the hydrogen runs out, the helium produced is stored in the core thanks to its higher density. Helium condensation is increasing to such an extent that the star is 'intoxicated' with helium. As hydrogen becomes scarcer, the star generates another method to obtain energy: to combine helium. in appearance, such stars begin to increase in size, swelling to become red giants. This process is similar to the analysis of other structures in the universe, such as nebulae and its formation.
There are two main categories of supernovae.
The explosion of a supernova occurs due to two different causes: one is due to the explosion of isolated massive stars, and the other category originates as a result of matter exchange processes within certain binary star systems. In this sense, the study of these explosions allows us to delve deeper into the mysteries of the galaxies and how they influence the structure of the universe and its evolution.
First category
It corresponds to the explosion that occurs at the end of the life of a very massive star, and that generates large amounts of energy and emissions of material, being one of the most intense explosive phenomena. In appearance, the star increases its brightness so much, that it can shine more than the entire galaxy that hosts it, which allows astronomers to carry out more detailed studies of these astronomical explosions and its impact on the universe.
second category
Mass-exchange supernovae occur when a member star of a binary system receives fuel by capturing material from its companion. These interactions are exemplary in the study of lenticular galaxies and its dynamism.
supernova remnants
After a supernova explosion, the remains form a nebulous structure from the explosion. these remains (also called remnants) They are surrounded by an expansive shock wave that sweeps everything around it and collides during its passage. The exploration of these nebulous structures is fundamental to our understanding of the universe and its complexity.
The star, lacking any energy in its core, implodes depending on its gravity, resulting in one of two possible paths to a supernova: a neutron star or a black hole. To better understand these phenomena, one can consult studies on black holes and its formation in the cosmos.
But not all matter is destroyed in a supernova explosion; the star's core remains. This core, with its high iron content, will continue to sink. The sinking will either come to a standstill or continue indefinitely, depending on the mass of the core after the explosion.
the neutron star
Also called Pulsars, their formation is generated when the collapse of the core is paralyzed as a result of neutrons, which move aimlessly as a result of high temperatures, causing matter to be broken down into protons, neutrons, and electrons. Pulsars have a large enough magnetic field, which instigates the evolutionary emission of electromagnetic radiation in the form of pulses, which move at periodic intervals in accordance with the rotation period. For a more in-depth analysis of these phenomena, you can consult information on pulsars and how they relate to other cosmic events.
On the other hand, if after the supernova explosion the nucleus that remains has a mass that exceeds its limit, that is, the mass of about three suns, its collapse is inescapableThis causes the star's density to become quite high, generating a collapse, from which black holes are created. The greater the density of light, the larger the black hole will be, which is what is of interest in studies about the sounds of the universe and its exploration.
The supernova as a creative explosion!
Now, after analyzing how a supernova occurs, it's time for a little reflection: All of us, at some point in our lives, have had a mercury thermometer, gold earrings, or even applied iodine to a wound to speed up the healing process. These elements ultimately have their origin in stellar processes like this, part of the same formation of the solar system.
The mercury of the thermometer, the gold and the iodine have been obtained from a mine, but Who placed it there? These elements were placed on planets during the Earth's genesis process, which contained those elements. Planets were created in the disk of gas and dust that gave rise to the entire solar system, and in that gas were those atoms of mercury, silver, or iodine. To understand how these processes connect, it's interesting to explore the summary of the Big Bang theory.
Atoms arrived on Earth as a result of a supernova explosion, and, as you can imagine, all that mercury, gold, and iodine was created in that great stellar explosion. And this happened not only with mercury, gold, and iodine, but also with countless other elements essential for life, such as those formed in large explosions. For this reason, it's important to remember that without these magnificent creative explosions, life as we know it would not have been possible.
