Read It! What is a Supernova? A supernova is the explosion of a star. It is the largest explosion that takes place in space.
Where Do Supernovas Take Place? Supernovas are often observed in other galaxies, but not many are seen in the Milky Way. The dust in our galaxy blocks our view. In 1604, Johannes Kepler discovered the last detected supernova in the Milky Way. NASA’s Chandra telescope discovered the remains of a more recent supernova. It exploded in the Milky Way more than a hundred years ago.
What Causes a Supernova? A supernova happens where there is a change in the core, or center, of a star. A change can occur in two different ways, with both resulting in a supernova.
The first type of supernova happens in binary star systems. Binary stars are two stars that orbit the same point. One of the stars, a carbon oxygen white dwarf, steals matter from its companion star. Eventually, the white dwarf accumulates too much matter. Having too much matter causes the star to explode, resulting in a supernova.
The second type of supernova occurs at the end of a single star’s lifetime. As the star runs out of nuclear fuel, some of its mass flows into its core. Eventually, the core is so heavy that it cannot withstand its own gravitational force. The core collapses, which results in the giant explosion of a supernova. The sun is a single star, but it does not have enough mass to become a supernova.
Why Do Scientists Study Supernovas? A supernova burns for only a brief period, but it can tell scientists a lot about the universe. One kind of supernova has shown scientists that we live in an expanding universe, one that is growing at an ever increasing rate.
Scientists also have determined that supernovas play a key role in distributes elements throughout the universe. When the star explodes, it shoots elements and debris into space. Many of the elements we find here on Earth are made in the core of stars. Some elements travel on to form new stars, planets, and everything else in the universe.
1. How can supernovas form? A. When a white dwarf accumulates too much matter from another star B. At the end of a star’s life cycle when the fuel has run out and it explodes C. In a nebula due to the force of gravity D. Both A & B
2. Where do supernovas take place? A. Between galaxies B. In galaxies throughout the universe C. In the center of the universe D. Along the edge of the universe
3. What role do supernovas play in the universe? A. They create all the sound we hear on Earth B. The provide water to planets C. They clean up the remains of stars D. They help to spread matter and elements throughout the universe
4. Why are supernovas hard to spot in our own galaxy? A. They are too far away B. They are hidden behind the Sun C. They are blocked by gas and dust D. We can’t see anything in our own galaxy Watch It!
Watch It! Questions 1. Briefly describe the process of nuclear fusion. 2. How does mass play a role in the life cycle of a star? 3.What is a white dwarf?
Click the button above and click the slider to “Normal” and then open the box
1. Click on the temperature icon and play the simulation. Write down what you notice about the temperature of the star throughout its cycle.
2. Click on the mass icon and play the simulation again. Write down what you notice about the mass of the star throughout its cycle.
3. Click on “information” at the top of box. Read the information and explain why the star swells up as it goes through the life cycle.
Explore It!: The Life Cycle of a Star
Use the image below to help answer your questions.
1. Study the diagram for two minutes and write down some general observations on your lab sheet.
2. The diagram shows the life cycle of a star. Stars have life cycles but they aren’t really alive. Where are stars born? What determines which life cycle path a star takes?
3. What are some differences between low-mass and high mass star life cycles? When are black holes formed?
4. What part of the life cycle is our Sun in? What do you think are some differences between a Red Giant and a Red Supergiant? What appears to be happening during a Supernova event?
Illustrate It! Station Directions
Draw a life cycle diagram of low-mass and high-mass stars using a nebula as a starting point.
Write It! Station Directions: Answer each of the task card questions on the lab sheet in complete sentences.
1. Explain how mass impacts the life cycle of a star. 2. Describe the typical cycle of a low mass star. 3. Describe the role of a nebula in the life cycle of a star.
Assess It! Station Directions: Answer the questions from the task cards on looseleaf.
1. Where are stars formed? A. A planetary nebula B. Near the center of the universe C. A nebula D. A dying planet
2. What is a black hole? A. A collapsed star with gravity so dense nothing can escape from it B. A cool spot on the surface of a star C. A cool spot on the surface of a planet D. An area in space where stars are created
3. What factor(s) impacts the life cycle of a star? A. Energy B. Mass C. Size D. All of the above
4. A low mass star becomes a _______________ after the main sequence phase? A. white dwarf B. black hole C. red giant D. red supergiant