A hypernova is a theoretical type of supernova produced when exceptionally large stars collapse at the end of their lifespan. In a hypernova, the core of the star collapses directly into a black hole and two extremely energetic jets of plasma are emitted from its rotational poles at nearly light speed. These jets emit intense gamma rays, and are a candidate explanation for gamma ray bursts. In recent years a flurry of observational data on gamma ray bursts significantly increased our understanding of these events.

Since stars sufficiently large to collapse directly into a black hole are quite rare, hypernovas should likewise be rare. Some web pages have suggested Eta Carinae as a candidate in our galaxy to turn into a hypernova within the next million years. It has been theorized that the energy released by a hypernova even thousands of light years away might be capable of wiping out life on Earth, but most scientists disagree.

See also

• Gamma ray burst

External links

• Hypernovae including speculations about the danger to life on earth from one
• Black Holes