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Astronomy (thesaurus)

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Concept information

Preferred term

supernova  

Definition

  • A supernova is a powerful and luminous explosion of a star. It has the plural form supernovae or supernovas, and is abbreviated SN or SNe. This transient astronomical event occurs during the last evolutionary stages of a massive star or when a white dwarf is triggered into runaway nuclear fusion. The original object, called the progenitor, either collapses to a neutron star or black hole, or is completely destroyed. The peak optical luminosity of a supernova can be comparable to that of an entire galaxy before fading over several weeks or months. (Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Supernova)

Entry terms

  • supernovae

In other languages

URI

http://data.loterre.fr/ark:/67375/MDL-B6B6Q1HD-3

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