Why are supernova explosions important for our existence?
A) They heat the interstellar medium and help keep Earth warm.
B) They liberate from the star's core the heavy elements of which we and Earth are made.
C) They destroy wandering stars that might otherwise collide with our Sun.
D) They bathe Earth in X-rays that may have helped life form.
E) They sterilized the young Earth and allowed life to originate by killing off competing bacteria.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Supernova explosions are crucial because they release heavy elements, such as carbon, oxygen, and iron, which are essential for the formation of planets and life. These elements are created in the cores of stars and dispersed into space during supernova explosions, contributing to the material that forms new stars and planetary systems, including Earth.

Why Are Supernova Explosions Important for Our Existence