Various stars in the universe end their lives in a spectacular explosion called a supernova. While supernovae are some of the most energetic phenomena known to science—and a few can even be seen by the naked eye—a great deal of mystery still surrounds their origins. Mid-mass stars have been confirmed as supernova progenitors, but the connection between supernovae and the most massive stars in the universe is purely theoretical. Join postdoctoral fellow Joanne Bibby and Richard Gilder Graduate School student Graham Kanarek as they introduce the theory that predicts massive stars as supernova progenitors and how scientists might confirm such a theory in the future.

Hayden Planetarium Programs are proudly supported by Con Edison.