Supernovae and Gamma Ray Bursts(GRBs)

• What is a supernova defined as?

  A rapid and enormous increase in magnitude
• When do supernovae occur?

  When a supergiant star collapses or a white dwarf explodes
• What type of supernova occurs from a supergiant star collapse?

  Type II supernova
• What type of supernova occurs from a white dwarf accruing matter?

  Type Ia supernova
• What is a gamma-ray burst (GRB) defined as?

  A short, high energy burst of gamma radiation
• What produces a gamma-ray burst?

  A collapsing supergiant star

  
• How much energy can a gamma-ray burst produce?

  As much energy as the Sun's total output
• Over what time span does the Sun emit its total energy output?

  10 billion years
• What is the typical energy emission range of gamma-ray bursts?

  From $10^{44}\text{ to }10^{47} \text{ J}$
• How is the energy from gamma-ray bursts typically emitted?

  As narrow beams from the poles of the star
• Why do some astronomers worry about supergiant stars in our galaxy?

  They could pose a danger to life on Earth
• Have gamma-ray bursts been detected in the Milky Way?

  No, only at great distances