When a star explodes, does their energy only reach Earth by the light that they transmit? How much energy does one star give off when it explodes and how much of that energy hits Earth? What happens to that energy?

Question

Luke Allen · Accepted Answer

No, up to #10^44#J, not much, it gets reduced.

The energy from a star exploding reaches earth in the form of all kinds of electromagnetic radiation, from radio to gamma rays. A supernova can give off as much as #10^44# joules of energy, and the amount of this that reaches the earth depends on the distance. As the energy travels away from the star, it becomes more spread out and so weaker at any particular spot. Whatever does get to the Earth is greatly reduced by the Earth's magnetic field.

Levi Anderson · Answer

undefined The energy released during a supernova explosion varies depending on the size of the star; on average, a supernova releases approximately 10^44 joules of energy, of which a small fraction reaches Earth. The energy that reaches Earth is responsible for a variety of phenomena, such as increased radiation and possible effects on the planet's atmosphere and climate.