Kepler’s Supernova

Definition

Kepler’s Supernova is a Type Ia supernova that was observed in 1604 within the Milky Way galaxy. Named after astronomer Johannes Kepler, it is one of the few supernovae visible to the naked eye in recorded history.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Kepler’s Supernova occurred in the constellation Ophiuchus.
2. It was caused by the thermonuclear explosion of a white dwarf star in a binary system.
3. The supernova was visible for over a year and reached its peak brightness in October 1604.
4. Johannes Kepler published his observations in a work titled 'De Stella Nova'.
5. The remnants of Kepler's Supernova are still studied today using various forms of electromagnetic radiation.

Review Questions

• In which constellation did Kepler's Supernova occur?
• What type of supernova is Kepler's Supernova classified as?
• Which astronomer documented and studied this supernova extensively?

Related terms

Supernova Remnant:

The structure resulting from the explosion of a star in a supernova, consisting of ejected material expanding into space.

Type Ia Supernova:

A subclass of supernovas that occur in binary systems when a white dwarf accretes enough material from its companion star to trigger a thermonuclear explosion.

Binary Star System: A system where two stars orbit around their common center of mass, often leading to interactions such as mass transfer or mergers.