It is highly reccomended that you view the preview movie to see this supernova in action.

This an animated sequence of a star going supernova.

A supernova is a stellar explosion. Supernovae are extremely luminous and cause a burst of radiation that often briefly outshines an entire galaxy, before fading from view over several weeks or months. During this short interval, a supernova can radiate as much energy as the Sun could emit over its life span.