Supernovae are as a result of explosion of large stars. The explosions are usually massive and send matter flying into space at speeds of about 20,000-40000 Kilometers per second. More interesting facts about Supernovae as you read on.

 

Fun facts about supernovae for kids

 

  • When the explosions are large enough, they result in supernovae which are capable of forming heavy elements such as iron.  Funny enough, although supernovae are as a result of a dying star, they are responsible for the formation of new stars in the universe.

 

  • Not all stars result in supernovae. Some of the stars became white dwarfs and later became black dwarfs in their dying stages.

 

  • In massive stars, the fusion process is responsible for providing the outward forces, when the fusion process reduces the star collapses due to great gravitational forces present on stars. This collapse of stars eventually leads to supernovae.

 

  • Due to the immense amount of energy released by supernovae, they can be visible in the night sky for many days.

 

Additional Supernovae Info

 

These supernovae leave behind a remnant called a neutron star. This neutron stars spin at high speed emitting pulses of radiation into space. These spinning neutron stars that emit radiation are called pulsars. But when the star is extremely large, its collapse does not lead to supernovae, it forms a black hole which is known for its destructive gravitational forces.

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