8. What is a
supernova?
• One of the most powerful and
spectacular events in the universe.
• A bright explosion
• Marks the death of a star
• Releases a large amount of energy
(about 1044 J)
• Shines with high luminosity (sometimes
equivalent to the brightness of about 10
billion suns)
17. Supernova
detection
At first the supernovae were observed with
naked eyes.
For this the luminosity of the supernova
should be high.
With the invention of telescopes it became
possible to observe supernovae
»In other galaxies
»With less luminosities
18. Major types of telescopes
used
Optical
telescope
X-ray
telescope
Radio
telescope