SNe Ia vs SNe II

Supernovae are powerful explosions of stars. Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) occur in binary systems where a white dwarf star accumulates matter from a companion star, eventually triggering a runaway reaction. These explosions are consistent in brightness, making them useful for measuring cosmic distances. Conversely, Type II supernovae (SNe II) happen when massive stars exhaust their nuclear fuel, leading to a collapse under gravity. The outer layers are violently expelled, creating a bright explosion. SNe II vary in brightness and are important for understanding stellar evolution and the formation of elements in the universe.