So What’s A Supernova?

When a star reaches the end of its life, it detonates in a dramatic flare of light, and a supernova occurs. This flare can momentarily outshine entire galaxies and emits more energy in just those few moments than our sun will produce over its entire lifespan. Supernovae play an undeniably major role in the cosmic cycle of matter, being the true source of heavy elements in the universe. NASA describes supernovae as "the largest explosion that takes place in space," with their immense power and huge role in forming the cosmos. Supernovae have a hand in the formation of new stars and planetary systems by contributing to the allocation of elements in the universe. With all of this in mind, they play a major role in helping us understand our universe.

What Causes a Supernova and How Common Are They?

A supernova transpires in two main scenarios: the dramatic end of a massive star or the explosive interaction between two stars. The first type happens when a star, at least five times the mass of our sun, exhausts its nuclear fuel. The balance between the star's gravitational pull and the outward pressure from nuclear burning collapses, leading to a rapid implosion followed by a massive explosion. This explosion leaves behind a dense core, possibly forming a black hole if the original star was sufficiently massive, and an expanding cloud of hot gas called a nebula. The second type of supernova involves a white dwarf in a binary system. If a white dwarf collides with another star or accumulates too much matter from its companion, it will  also explode.

Supernovae are relatively rare, with astronomers estimating that only two or three occur each century in galaxies like the Milky Way. However, due to the vast number of galaxies in the universe, a few hundred supernovae are observed annually in distant galaxies. Most supernovae in the Milky Way are obscured by space dust, making them still difficult to observe from Earth to this day.

What Supernovae Can Teach Us

Scientists have gained valuable insights into the universe by studying supernovae. The aforementioned second type of supernova serves as a cosmic ruler to measure vast distances in space. Known as Type Ia supernova, these explosions have a consistency of brightness that is of great use. This brightness is prevalent enough to allow astronomers to determine how far away they are, helping to map the universe's expansion.

Additionally, supernovae reveal that stars are the universe's factories. Within their cores, stars fuse simple elements like hydrogen into heavier elements, such as carbon and nitrogen, which are essential for life. Massive stars take this process a step further by creating even heavier elements like gold, silver, and uranium. When these stars end their lives in explosive supernovae, they scatter these stored and newly formed elements throughout space, enriching the cosmic environment and contributing to the formation of new stars, planets, and ultimately, the building blocks of life.

How Scientists Study Supernovae and How Journalists Can Touch on This Topic

Scientists at Northwestern University, led by Adam Miller, have developed an AI tool called BTSbot that can autonomously identify and confirm supernovae. Traditionally, this process involved both machine analysis and human verification, but BTSbot has successfully completed the entire process on its own for the first time. Tested on supernova candidate SN2023tyk, BTSbot independently requested further data and conducted detailed observations. Co-developed by Nabeel Rehemtulla, BTSbot is expected to streamline supernova studies, allowing human scientists to focus on detailed investigations and enhancing research on star life cycles and the elements they produce.

If a journalist were to be interested in reporting on supernovae and space science in general, journalists can utilize several strategies. Firstly, keeping an eye on press releases from institutions like NASA, universities, and research organizations is something to keep in mind to help stay updated on the latest discoveries and advancements in supernova research. Conducting interviews with scientists and researchers involved in specific space science studies can provide expert insights and can help explain complex concepts in layman's terms. Additionally, using visuals, diagrams, and data visualizations can help readers grasp the scale and significance of supernovae, in this particular case.

It is imperative to understand our ever-growing universe and as a journalist, it is our responsibility to educate and instill a firm grasp on the world around us.