The Supernova Story

by Laurence Marschall

Astronomers believe that a supernova is a massive explosion signaling the death of a star, causing a cosmic recycling of the chemical elements and leaving behind a pulsar, black hole, or nothing at all. In an engaging story of the life cycles of stars, Laurence Marschall tells how early astronomers identified supernovae, and how later scientists came to their current understanding, piecing together observations and historical accounts to form a theory, which was tested by intensive study of SN 1987A, the brightest supernova since 1006. He has revised and updated The Supernova Story to include all the latest developments concerning SN 1987A, which astronomers still watch for possible aftershocks, as well as SN 1993J, the spectacular new event in the cosmic laboratory.

Genres: Science, Physics

344 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1988

Reviews

[Pete Fleurant · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great read for astronomy nurds! It is of course dated but fun to look up if science has solved the mysteries this book leaves behind. Take the SN1987A supernova that appeared in Feb 1987 for instance. It was only until 2024 that JWST (James Webb Space Telescope) determined that SN1987A left behind a neutron star and not a black hole.

[Nick Black · Rating 2 out of 5]

Amazon 2009-02-01. Arrived looking a bit more poppy than I'd care to see; in the words of Jerry Maguire, "show me the equations!"

[Ole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very interesting, despite its age. Sums everything up about supernovas. Minor inaccuracies because of new developments in that field since it was written but that's negligible.