A supernova is what kind of a star?

This message has been edited. Last edited by: DorianGreyed,

A supernova is an exploding star. The type of star that explodes is called a supergiant. The supernova ejects a large amount of matter and energy from the star. What is left of the star forms either a neutron star/pulsar or a black hole, depending on how massive it is (more massive stars result in black holes).

Sammy - there are actually a couple of different types and the best way to describe it is to actually let you go take a look for yourself. This is one of the best sites I could find for a "definition" with some illustrations...

Supernovae

Hi Samantha
Basically it's a Giant sized Exploding Star
explanation here:It is a bit technical but ignore the maths and it is readable.
Has a photo of one as well
http://imagine.gsfc.nasa.gov/docs/science/know
_l2/supernovae.html

Thanks so much for the explanations methos, lydia and bedstor and the links were great...