Dust in Supernova Explosions

Abstract

THERE is now considerable evidence to support the view that supernovae can be caused by the explosive ignition of degenerate material in evolved stars¹. The conditions leading to such ignition have recently been investigated by Arnett (ref. 2 and private communication). Explosive carbon-burning produces elements ranging from Ne to Si, and silicon-burning produces elements from P to Ni. The relative abundances of elements produced in both processes are similar to the observed solar values, which supports the view that supernova explosions are a major source of enrichment of the interstellar medium in heavy elements.