A supernova is a type of nova, a large explosion of a star that sometimes occurs when a star reaches the end of its life cycle, and collapses under its own gravity. Supernovae, in particular, occur when the large masses of supergiant stars reach critical levels. (CCG: Premiere)
During a supernova, an explosion that ejects large amounts of gas and solid matter with a considerable amount of energy occurs, sometimes leaving a remnant of a neutron star or black hole within a nebula of ejected stellar mass. Supernovae were also known to generate cosmic storms. (TOS comic: "UK comic strips, first story arc")
When traveling into the past, supernovae from remote galaxies could be utilized to determine an exact date, based on the light reaching . Data employed such a method when the USS Enterprise-D followed the Goddard through a gravity slingshot around the Arhennius star to determine they had arrived in the past within two weeks before or after of the moment James T. Kirk was lost saving the USS Enterprise-B. (Star Trek novel: Engines of Destiny)
Notable supernovae
- Beta Stromgren
- FGC-SR37-758
- Gadani
- Ganidra
- Gum Nebula
- Hobus
- Minara
- Pantera
- Trilex Prime
- Vesuvi
- Ximega
Unnamed supernovae
- 2230
- In a distant corner of the galaxy, an unnamed supergiant star went supernova around the year 2230, leaving a neutron star remnant. At roughly the same time, Spock was born many light years distant, on the planet Vulcan. (TOS novelization: Star Trek)
External links
- Supernova article at Memory Alpha, the wiki for canon Star Trek.
- Supernova article at Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.