Introduction to Astronomy - Novae, Supernovae & Kilonovae -What's the difference?

Various forms of media display images of dramatic, explosive stellar events and subsequent remnants using the words novae, supernovae and kilonovae. Often, however, the sources omit to explain different terms and causative processes involved. Monday evening’s presentation will provide clarity on this topic, identifying and discussing the terms classical novae, supernovae and kilonovae. Furthermore, the discussion will review the four main types of supernovae and the mechanisms behind each one.

Novae are repetitive explosive events on the surface of a white dwarf in a binary star system, and supernovae are catastrophic events destroying a star and of which there are four main types. In contrast, however, a kilonovae is from two neutron stars merging. Importantly, the latter two processes are responsible for producing heavy elements and distributing them across host galaxies.

Tune in to our YouTube channel at 8 pm on Monday 4 May and learn more about these different types of events and why the different mechanisms occur. You will take away essential messages to improve your understanding next time you see relevant images and articles in the media.

Best regards, Chris Benton