How can a supernova be used to measure distance?

Question

Hazel Asher · Accepted Answer

Supernova Type 1A are typically referred to as "standard candles" and can be used to measure distance due to their constant energy explosions.

The Chandrasekhar limit of 1.4 solar masses is the point at which a white dwarf reaches a Type 1A supernova. Since mass is equal to the potential energy contained in a supernova, all supernovae will have the same brightness at this point. The brightness of an object in space can be instantly determined based on how bright it appears, provided that the object's brightness is known. Therefore, in the case of a supernova, we can determine its exact distance by observing how bright the supernova appears and knowing how much energy it contained. In general, the distance goes as #1/r^2# with the brightness of the object.

Hunter Arthur · Answer

undefined Because supernovae release a predictable amount of energy when they explode, they can be used as standard candles. The "standard candle method" is a technique used by astronomers to measure distances to objects in the universe. It involves comparing an object's observed brightness with its known intrinsic brightness and using the inverse square law of light to determine the distance.