Super Nova Explosion
Nova vs Supernova
Nova and supernova are two features of the universe. A nova is defined as “A star that suddenly becomes much brighter and then gradually returns to its original brightness over a period of weeks to years” (1). On the other hand, a supernova is “a rare celestial phenomenon involving the explosion of most of the material in a star, resulting in an extremely bright, short-lived object that emits vast amounts of energy” (2). From the definitions it is clear that both nova and supernova result in tremendous amount of brightness.
The major difference between a nova and a supernova is that in a supernova a lot of the object’s mass is ejected with the explosion. The amount of this mass is more than the mass of the sun. Where as in a nova, very less mass is ejected as compared to that in a supernova.
A nova does not destroy its host star whereas a super nova does. Since so much mass is ejected in a supernova it disrupts the star in which it occurs. This results in another difference which is that a nova can be seen at the same place multiple times, on the other hand, a supernova cannot.
A nova is the result of “eruption of a very old dying star”(3); supernova is also the result of a dying star but it is the result of a “violent” explosion of the star (3). Meaning the amount of energy released in a supernova is much greater than that released in a nova; usually this value is about 1044 Joules (4).
Additionally, a supernova lasts longer than a nova. A nova is generally of a period between a few weeks to years.
Another thing that differs between the two is how often does each occur. Scientists usually detect a few novae each year; whereas super novae are detected roughly once every fifty years.
Nova usually occur in binary systems where the white dwarf absorbs matter from the other star and this results in large compression which makes the star ignite. This process occurs through nuclear fusion. (5) A supernova is usually formed after either a chemical imbalance, or due to implosion of the core of the host star.(6)
Supernovae are classified into two types: Type I and Type II. These types are classified on the basis of the chemical reactions that result in them. Novae, however, have not been classified into any such types.
Many times these two are taken to be the same thing; however there are significant differences between a nova and supernova. One of the most important is that supernovae are eject much more mass and energy as compared to novae.
Summary:
1. Supernova releases much more mass than a nova.
2. Supernova destroys its host star; whereas a nova does not.
3. Supernovae cannot occur at the same place more than once.
4. More energy is released in a supernova than in a nova.
5. Supernova lasts longer than a nova.
6. Novae occur more often than supernovae.
7. A nova usually occurs in binary star systems when a white dwarf absorbs a lot of matter; where as a supernova can be formed by either chemical imbalance or core implosion.
8. Supernovae have been classified into Type I and Type II. No such classification has been made for novae.
Works Cited
1. “Nova.” The Free Dictionary. Farlex, n.d. Web. 19 Feb. 2014..
2. “Supernova.” The Free Dictionary. Farlex, n.d. Web. 21 Feb. 2014..
3. Seeds, Michael A. Stars and Galaxies. Belmont, CA: Thomson Brooks/Cole, 2007. Print.
4. “Supernovae.” Supernovae. N.p., n.d. Web. 20 Feb. 2014..
5. Anissimov, Michael, and Bronwyn Harris. WiseGeek. Conjecture, 17 Feb. 2014. Web. 20 Feb. 2014..
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