Supernova! – largest explosions in space

Main Sequence

When do stars die? Stars die when the hydrogen being fused at their core is used up. Outer layers are shed, star expands and cools. Core will fuse larger elements, (helium), until they run out. One of a few scenarios can happen when stars reach this point…

White Dwarf One result of the death of a star Outer layers are shed and pushed into deep space as a nebula, (cloud of dust and particles; remnants of star particles). This will eventually give birth to more stars. What is left of the core becomes a white dwarf: small, hot ball of compressed matter leftover when red giants lose their outer layers. Made mostly of Carbon. Will eventually lose their heat and become a cold, dark black dwarf. This is the eventual fate of our own sun.

Super Nova – can happen when a star dies Lasts a few weeks or months Large burst of energy erupting out of a star when it collapses – only with stars above a certain size. Emits more energy than the Sun will in its entire lifespan Last observed supernova in our galaxy was in 1604, Magnitude -2.25. We are overdue for another one.

There are two known ways that Supernovas can occur:

1. Binary Star Systems Two stars are orbiting the same point One is a white dwarf The white dwarf “steals” matter from the other star When it accumulates too much matter, it explodes as a supernova

Binary star system

2. Single Star Super Giant Star collapses when it runs out of hydrogen Mass falling into center of star causes Supernova explosion Sun does not have enough mass to cause a supernova

Diagram the Life of a Star Create a model or diagram to show the life of a star: its birth, main sequence, and death. You must choose one of the possible paths of a stars’ life, (specifically how it will die), and show it in your diagram. Your model must include each of the following, describing scientifically how each occurred: Birth of the Star Main Sequence Death of the Star As long as you include these elements and describe how each occurs, however, you can make your model/diagram/etc. as creative as you like. You can: Draw a diagram/model using big paper Make a drawing or visual image of the process, (labelling/explaining it!) Write a story of the stars’ life Any other creative idea you can think of, as long as it can describe how each process above occurs.