noun
- plural of supernova; extremely bright stellar explosions that occur when massive stars collapse or when white dwarf stars accumulate matter and explode
Usage: astronomy
Examples
- Astronomers have observed several supernovae in distant galaxies this year.
- The light from supernovae can outshine entire galaxies for weeks.
- Scientists study supernovae to understand stellar evolution.
- Type Ia supernovae are used as standard candles to measure cosmic distances.
- The heavy elements in our bodies were forged in ancient supernovae.
- Supernovae release enormous amounts of energy into space.