Supernovae Flashcards
1
Q
Supernovae
A
are extremely powerful and explosive events that occur when massive stars reach the end of their lives.
2
Q
Type Ia Supernovae
A
Type Ia supernovae occur in binary star systems where one star is a white dwarf and the other star is a companion. The white dwarf accretes matter from its companion until it reaches a critical mass, causing a runaway nuclear fusion reaction. The explosion releases an enormous amount of energy, completely destroying the white dwarf.
