Supernovae are some of the most remarkable and powerful explosions in the Universe. From the formation of elements to the creation of neutron stars, supernovae have a made a lasting mark in astronomical history. But did you know that there are actually two types of supernovae? Let’s take a look at the different types and match them with the items below.

Type Ia Supernovae

Type Ia supernovae occur when a white dwarf, a dense, compact stellar remnant, sucks material from a nearby star until it reaches a critical mass. This causes the white dwarf to explode, resulting in a Type Ia supernova.

Item 1: White Dwarf Star

This item is best matched with Type Ia Supernova.

Type II Supernovae

Type II supernovae occur in much larger stars, usually more than 10-15 times bigger than the Sun. These stars reach the end of their lives and collapse, becoming so dense that not even light can escape their gravity. This causes a massive explosion, resulting in a Type II supernova.

Item 2: Large Star

This item is best matched with Type II Supernova.