Why Do Some Stars Explode, and Others Don't?

Examples

1. A star like our Sun might eventually turn into a gentle red giant before quietly fading away.
2. A massive star might suddenly explode and become a bright, glowing supernova that we can see from Earth.
3. Stars in distant galaxies may go out with dramatic explosions that light up the night sky for thousands of years.

More examples

See also

• What If the Moon Was Made of Cheese?
• What Causes a Solar Eclipse Exactly?
• What's the Difference Between a Comet and an Asteroid?
• What If We Could Live on Mars?
• Why Do We See the Same Side of the Moon?

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