Supernova supernova is a powerful and luminous stellar explosion. This transient astronomical event occurs during the last evolutionary stages of a massive star or when a white dwarf is triggered into runaway nuclear fusion. The original object, called theprogenitor, either collapses to a neutron staror black hole, or is completely destroyed. The peak optical luminosity of a supernova can be comparable to that of an entire galaxy before fading over several weeks or months. | Free AstroScience

What does a supernova look like? This visualization simulates the first 150 milliseconds of a supernova. As the star collapses in on itself, hot gas emits from its core in uneven shock waves. Researchers use computer simulations like this to more accurately understand the events of a dying star. | NASA Ames Research Center