C1nounspacescience
US/ˈsuː.pər.noʊ.və/
UK/ˈsuː.pə.nəʊ.və/
the huge explosion of a star at the end of its life, which shines very brightly
In context
A supernova can shine brighter than a whole galaxy for a short time.
Astronomers recorded a supernova in a nearby galaxy last year.
Heavy elements such as gold were created in the explosion of a supernova.
Words that go with supernova
noun + noun
- a supernova explosionA supernova explosion destroyed the star.
- a supernova remnantThe Crab Nebula is a supernova remnant.
verb + noun
- witness a supernovaFew people have witnessed a supernova with their own eyes.
- detect a supernovaThe team detected a supernova in only three days.
adjective + noun
- a distant supernovaLight from a distant supernova took millions of years to arrive.
verb + adjective
- go supernovaMassive stars eventually go supernova.