Comments on: Supernova’s companion star spied by �鶹��ýastronomers

By: Mr. Raymond Kenneth Petry

Mr. Raymond Kenneth Petry — Thu, 06 Aug 2015 21:40:17 +0000

I wish the stereograph-like pictures were better matched for brightness so that looking at the rest-of-the-image would look spatially balanced.

By: Cheryl Ernst

Cheryl Ernst — Thu, 22 Dec 2011 21:41:05 +0000

In reply to Gaurav. You may be thinking of a Type II supernova. The two types of supernovae and their probable origins are described on the NASA website. Discussion of the theorized origin of Type 1a supernovae appears in articles at the Keck Observatory, National Science Foundation and UC Berkeley News Center, along with additional information about the latest discovery.

By: Gaurav

Gaurav — Wed, 21 Dec 2011 14:26:42 +0000

Looks like there is a factual error in the post. Supernova are caused when the stellar core collapses under intense gravity and there is no more fusion pressure to offset that. This results in a shockwave that shows up as a super nova.

Nova on the other hand are usually white dwarves that accrete matter from its companion and erupt.

So I guess what the astronomers are excited about is the remaining core of the supernova forming a white dwarf and might cause future nova’s.