How does a supernova explode?

The explosion of very massive stars as supernovae enriches the interstellar medium with chemical elements synthesized by nuclear fusion, while giving birth to a neutron star or a black hole by the collapse of the stellar core. The transition between the collapse of the core and the ejection of the stellar envelope is a challenge for the theoretical understanding of supernovae. A hydraulic experiment designed and built at CEA made it possible to reproduce by analogy one of the phenomena of hydrodynamic instability which facilitates the explosion. This experimental approach is complementary to numerical simulations. Discover this experiment in this animation. This animated film was produced and co-funded by the CEA and the ERC, and directed by Studio Animea. Scientific and technical design: T. Foglizzo, J. Guilet, G. Durand (CEA) Don’t forget to like, comment and subscribe to our channel: To learn more about the supernova fountain: To learn more about the stars (in french): To learn more about neutron stars (in french):