Type Ia supernovae originate in binary star systems—systems where two stars orbit each other. In one possible scenario, there are two stars approximately the same size—let's say about the size ...

This revolutionary discovery, which astrophysicists achieved with observations of specific kinds of exploding stars, called type 1a supernovae, was recognized with the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2011.

Such core-collapse supernovae are responsible for producing the cosmos’ predominantly lighter metals --- from oxygen to silicon and sulfur. In contrast, so-called Type 1a supernovae are ...

When picking out which supernovas to add to the shelf, however, Brout isn't interested in them all. These star explosions are typically divided into two main categories: Type 2 and Type 1a.

This white dwarf collision will trigger a specific type of supernova called type 1a that always produces the same amount of light. Astronomers can tell how far away each type 1a supernova is by ...

Supernovae are divided into two basic physical types, Ia and II. Type Ia is caused by thermal runaway, and type II supernovae are caused by core collapse. Because the supernova "family tree" was ...