To distinguish between properties of the two major types of supernovae: massive star supernovae and white dwarf supernovae. All supernovae represent the explosions of stars, but current understanding suggests there are two basic types of supernovae: one that occurs when a massive star reaches the end of its life, and the other that occurs when a white dwarf star explodes because its mass has exceeded the white dwarf limit (also called the Chandrasekhar limit) of 1.4 solar masses.

Match the items below with the correct type of supernova.

1. Star explodes completely, leaving no compact object behind.
2. Can only occur in a galaxy with ongoing star formation.
3. Black hole or neutron star left behind.
4. Can only occur in a binary system.
5. Can occur in a very old star cluster.
6. Spectra always lack strong hydrogen lines.
7. Has a brighter peak luminosity.

Explanation: A supernova is a bright explosion of a star as it dies off. Supernova can occur due to the star losing the heat at its core which eventually makes it collapse. This is the type of supernova formed when massive stars die. They occur in a galaxy with ongoing star formation and a black hole or neutron star left behind.

Supernovae can also be occur when a star orbits another and crashes into another. This is what occurs in a white dwarf . This is part of a binary system, can occur in a very old star cluster and leaves no compact object behind.