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Core collapse supernova

September 22, 2020
Language
  • english

This animation shows a gigantic star exploding in a "core collapse" supernova. As molecules fuse inside the star, eventually the star can't support its own weight anymore. Gravity makes the star collapse on itself. Core collapse supernovae are called type Ib, Ic, or II depending on the chemical elements present. Credit: NASA/JPL-Caltech