ScienceJuly 5, 2026
supernova
/ˌsuːpərˈnoʊvə/
Definition
A powerful and luminous stellar explosion that occurs at the end of a star's life cycle.
Etymology
The term comes from Latin 'super' (above or over) and 'nova' (new). It was coined by astronomers in the 1930s to describe these events as 'new' stars that appeared with exceptional brightness.
In the news
In this article, supernovas are mentioned as one of the many dynamic, fleeting changes in the sky that the Rubin Observatory will track as part of its nightly survey of the universe.
The Rubin Observatory's 10-year movie of the universe is about to 'blow our minds,' chief scientist says
Read the full article ↗Live Science