supernova
Meaning: The catastrophic explosion of a massive star at the end of its life cycle, producing an extraordinarily bright burst of radiation that can briefly outshine an entire galaxy.
Supernovae are divided into Type I (thermonuclear detonation of a white dwarf) and Type II (core collapse of a massive star). They are crucial to astrophysics because they distribute heavy elements throughout the universe and can trigger new star formation. The term is widely used figuratively in journalism and business to describe a spectacular rise or dramatic event.
Examples
- The supernova observed in 1054 AD was so bright that Chinese astronomers recorded it as visible in daylight for several weeks. 公元1054年观测到的超新星极其明亮,中国天文学家记录其在白天也持续可见达数周之久。La supernova observada en 1054 d. C. fue tan brillante que los astrónomos chinos la registraron como visible a plena luz del día durante varias semanas.西暦1054年に観測された超新星は非常に明るく、中国の天文学者たちは数週間にわたって昼間でも見えたと記録した。서기 1054년에 관측된 초신성은 매우 밝아서 중국의 천문학자들이 수 주 동안 낮에도 보였다고 기록했다.
- Analysis of the supernova remnant confirmed the presence of heavy elements forged during the explosion. 对超新星残骸的分析证实了爆炸过程中锻造的重元素的存在。El análisis del remanente de supernova confirmó la presencia de elementos pesados forjados durante la explosión.超新星残骸の分析により、爆発中に生成された重元素の存在が確認された。초신성 잔해의 분석을 통해 폭발 과정에서 생성된 중원소의 존재가 확인되었다.
- The research team used Type Ia supernovae as standard candles to measure the accelerating expansion of the universe. 研究团队利用Ia型超新星作为标准烛光来测量宇宙的加速膨胀。El equipo de investigación utilizó supernovas de Tipo Ia como candelas estándar para medir la expansión acelerada del universo.研究チームはIa型超新星を標準光源として用い、宇宙の加速膨張を測定した。연구팀은 Ia형 초신성을 표준 광원으로 사용하여 우주의 가속 팽창을 측정했다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: academic, scientific
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
Coined in 1934 by astronomers Walter Baade and Fritz Zwicky, combining the Latin prefix super- (above, beyond) with nova (new star). The term distinguished these far more energetic explosions from ordinary novae.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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