The Supernova Story

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.