Supernovae

Chandra's extraordinary capabilities make it possible for scientists to study such high-energy objects as supernovae and black holes in greater detail.

In 1998, astronomers measured how fast the universe is expanding by using ground-based telescopes to study relatively nearby exploding stars, called supernovae.

Many supernovae occur when massive stars run out of fuel, rapidly collapse under their own weight, and then explode because of strong shock waves that propel out of their interiors.

Type Ia supernovae are much rarer, happening roughly once every 500 years in the Milky Way.

NASA’s upcoming Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope will see thousands of exploding stars called supernovae across vast stretches of time and space.

Cobalt, which forms the core of Vitamin B12, is only created in supernovae and neutron star mergers.

Elements heavier than iron are produced during supernovae and during the merger of neutron stars.