Hypernova

A hypernova represents the most catastrophically energetic stellar explosion in the universe, releasing 10-100 times more energy than typical supernovae—equivalent to about 10^44 joules, or roughly what our Sun produces in 10 billion years. These cosmic monsters occur when extremely massive stars (over 25-30 solar masses) undergo core collapse, forming black holes while simultaneously launching relativistic jets at near light-speed perpendicular to the stellar equator.</p><p>The term "hypernova" was coined in 1998 by Japanese astronomer Ken'ichi Nomoto, though the phenomenon gained prominence through observations linking these explosions to long-duration gamma-ray bursts (GRBs)—the most luminous electromagnetic events known. When a hypernova's jets align with Earth's line of sight, we detect intense gamma radiation lasting 2-1,000 seconds, visible across billions of light-years.</p><p>Notable examples include GRB 030329, which confirmed the hypernova-GRB connection in 2003, and the recent discovery of GRB 221009A in 2022—dubbed the "BOAT" (Brightest of All Time)—which temporarily blinded gamma-ray detectors across the solar system. These explosions serve as cosmic laboratories for extreme physics, potentially forging the heaviest elements in the periodic table and providing insights into the early universe's most massive stars. Hypernovae may have significantly influenced early galactic evolution and could pose existential risks to nearby planetary systems.