What is a supernova?

Fact

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A supernova is an extremely bright stellar explosion that can briefly rival the brightness of a galaxy. Some occur when the core of a massive star collapses after exhausting its nuclear fuel; they can leave a neutron star or a black hole. Others, type Ia, result from the thermonuclear explosion of a white dwarf in a stellar system. Supernovas disperse chemical elements formed in stars into space and contribute to enriching the interstellar medium. The word therefore does not simply designate a star that implodes: several different physical mechanisms lead to these explosions.