CosmosObservatory
Explore
Solar System
Live
Learn
Tools
About
Cosmos Observatory
ToolsAbout
Cosmos Observatory

Explore the universe through NASA data, real-time ISS tracking, Mars rover imagery, asteroid monitoring, and comprehensive space encyclopedia. Your gateway to the cosmos.

Explore

  • APOD
  • Mars Rovers
  • Earth Imagery
  • NASA Gallery
  • ISS Tracker

Data

  • Asteroids
  • Solar System
  • Exoplanets
  • Space Weather
  • Launches

Tools

  • Glossary
  • News
  • Calculators

Legal

  • About
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Space Tools
  • Contact

Stay updated with the cosmos

Get weekly digests of APOD highlights, upcoming launches, and space events.

© 2026 Cosmos Observatory. All rights reserved. Built with for space enthusiasts.

This website is not affiliated with, maintained, authorized, endorsed by, or in any way officially connected with NASA or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates. All NASA imagery is in the public domain unless otherwise noted. Data sourced from NASA Open APIs, Launch Library 2, and other open data services.

  1. Home
  2. Glossary
  3. Supernova
Stellar Astronomy

Supernova

Definition

A powerful explosion at the end of a massive star's life, briefly outshining an entire galaxy. Supernovae scatter heavy elements throughout space, seeding future stellar and planetary formation. Two main types: core-collapse and Type Ia.

Related Terms

Neutron Star

The collapsed core of a massive star after a supernova, with 1.4-2 solar masses in a sphere about 20 km across. Incredib...

Black Hole

A region of spacetime where gravity is so strong that nothing, not even light, can escape once past the event horizon. B...

Nebula

A giant cloud of dust and gas in space, often spanning light-years. Nebulae are star birthplaces, forming when regions c...

Explore Related Topics

Dive deeper into supernova and related concepts on Cosmos Observatory.

What's in the Sky Tonight

See stars and planets visible now.

Sun & Space Weather

Monitor solar flares and coronal activity.

Full Glossary

Browse all 66+ space and astronomy terms.

Back to Glossary