Supernova explosion. Image 2 of 4. Supercomputer simulation showing a supernova explosion 150 milliseconds (thousandths of a second) after core collap
Supernova explosion. Image 2 of 4. Supercomputer simulation showing a supernova explosion 150 milliseconds (thousandths of a second) after core collapse. Supernovae occur when a massive star has run out of nuclear fuel and its core collapses to form a neutron star. The collapsed core triggers a shock wave that powers the supernova explosion. This simulation shows the entropy (amount of disorder within a thermodynamic system) of matter (light areas) that is rising due to heating by neutrinos at the core (unseen). The heated matter rises and mixes with in-falling cold matter (dark areas) resulting in turbulence. It is thought that neutrino-driven convection energy accompanies the shock wave to power the supernova explosion. Simulation created at the Max Planck Institute for Astrophysics, Germany. For complete sequence, see images: R730/098 - R730/101.
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Photo credit: © LEONHARD SCHECK/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY / Alamy / Afripics
License: Licensed
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Keywords: 3-, artwork, astronomical, astronomy, astrophysical, astrophysics, computer, cosmology, death, dimensional, expanding, expansion, exploding, explosion, gas, illustration, institute, max, neutron, physical, physics, planck, science, simulation, space, star, stellar, supercomputer, supernova
