A supernova is a powerful and luminous explosion that occurs at the end of a star's life cycle. This event can outshine entire galaxies for a short period and is crucial for dispersing elements into space, contributing to the formation of new stars and planets.
There are two main types of supernovae: Type I, which occurs in binary star systems, and Type II, which results from the collapse of massive stars. These explosions not only enrich the interstellar medium with heavy elements but also play a significant role in the dynamics of galaxies.