Supernovas

A supernova is one of the biggest explosions in the universe. It happens when a very big star runs out of fuel. The star blows apart in a huge burst of light. Supernovas can be brighter than a whole galaxy for a short time. They send out gas, dust, and energy.

Why Stars Explode

Big stars burn fuel in their centers. When the fuel runs out, the star cannot hold itself up. It falls in and then bounces back in a huge blast. This is a supernova.

The colorful leftover cloud from a star that blew up long ago.
The colorful leftover cloud from a star that blew up long ago. (NASA, ESA, J. Hester and A. Loll (Arizona State University) / Wikimedia Commons)

Why They Matter

Supernovas spread important stuff into space. They make things like iron, gold, and oxygen. These pieces later help form new stars and planets. Even some parts of your body came from old supernovas.

Fun Facts

  • A supernova can shine as bright as billions of suns.
  • The last supernova seen in our galaxy was in 1604.
  • A supernova can leave behind a neutron star or a black hole.

Did You Know?

The gold in jewelry on Earth was made by stars that exploded long ago!