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What Do Supernovae Teach Us About the Universe?
Special | 1m 39sVideo has Closed Captions
Supernovae mark the dramatic end of a massive star's life that results in a colossal explosion.
Supernovae mark the dramatic end of a massive star's life, resulting in a colossal explosion that can outshine entire galaxies. These cosmic fireworks are not only mesmerizing but also crucial for understanding the lifecycle of stars and the formation of elements in our universe.
Star Gazers is presented by your local public television station.
Funding provided by The Batchelor Foundation and The William J. & Tina Rosenberg Foundation
![Star Gazers](https://image.pbs.org/contentchannels/GpbucRO-white-logo-41-esjFEbm.png?format=webp&resize=200x)
What Do Supernovae Teach Us About the Universe?
Special | 1m 39sVideo has Closed Captions
Supernovae mark the dramatic end of a massive star's life, resulting in a colossal explosion that can outshine entire galaxies. These cosmic fireworks are not only mesmerizing but also crucial for understanding the lifecycle of stars and the formation of elements in our universe.
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Learn Moreabout PBS online sponsorshipHowdy, Star Gazers!
Today, we're exploring a# fascinating phenomenon known as a supernova.## Supernovae occur when certain massive stars reach# the end of their stellar journey, basically stars## that die.
During this spectacular event, a star# undergoes a cataclysmic explosion.
The star's## core collapses under its own gravity and in the# process, releases an incredible amount of energy## and radiation.
These explosions are so powerful# that they can briefly outshine an entire galaxy,## making supernova one of the most energetic events# in the universe.
They're like cosmic fireworks!
The## aftermath of a supernova is just as intriguing# as the explosion itself.
These events can leave## behind celestial remnants, such as neutron stars or# black holes.
When stars explode during a supernova,## they shoot elements and debris into space.
These# elements go on to form new stars and planets## and everything else in the universe.
In fact, many# heavy elements may only be created by supernova.## That means heavy elements that we find here on# Earth were made in the cores of stars.
Elements## like strontium, which is used to make red fireworks.# Cosmic fireworks or earth-based ones - they're all## thanks to supernovae.
Astronomers can also use# supernovae as distance indicators to calculate## the distances of far-out galaxies.
These dying# stars can give us a glimpse into the vast size## of our universe, so next time you look up at the# night sky and you spot a twinkling star, remember## that within its fiery heart, an incredible stellar# light life cycle is unfolding.
It might even be on# the verge of becoming a supernova.
Stay curious,# keep exploring and, of course, keep looking up!
For more Star Gazers, click the video below!
Don't# leave me hanging.
Come on, click it.
Star Gazers is presented by your local public television station.
Funding provided by The Batchelor Foundation and The William J. & Tina Rosenberg Foundation