UNAWE Space Scoop - What's the Shape of a Supernova?

https://spacescoop.org/en/scoops/2528/whats-the-shape-of-a-supernova/ Rewritten & recorded by your editor, Richard Drumm. When you imagine an explosion in space, a supernova is usually what first comes to mind. But astronomers are still quite puzzled by some of the details of these cosmic fireworks. The typical supernova we often picture is really the end of a massive star's life. And a very dramatic ending at that!   During its existence, a star keeps its spherical shape through a very delicate balance between: - the outward pressure created by the core's nuclear heat, what we call the radiation pressure, and  - the gravity that compresses the star toward its center of mass.    We call this balance a state of hydrostatic equilibrium.   We've added a new way to donate to 365 Days of Astronomy to support editing, hosting, and production costs.  Just visit: https://www.patreon.com/365DaysOfAstronomy and donate as much as you can! Share the podcast with your friends and send the Patreon link to them too!  Every bit helps! Thank you! ------------------------------------ Do go visit http://www.redbubble.com/people/CosmoQuestX/shop for cool Astronomy Cast and CosmoQuest t-shirts, coffee mugs and other awesomeness! http://cosmoquest.org/Donate This show is made possible through your donations.  Thank you! (Haven't donated? It's not too late! Just click!) ------------------------------------ The 365 Days of Astronomy Podcast is produced by the Planetary Science Institute. http://www.psi.edu Visit us on the web at 365DaysOfAstronomy.org or email us at [email protected].