What is a Champagne Supernova?
“Champagne Supernova” is a Type 1a supernova called SN 2003fg (or SNLS-03D3bb) discovered by Andy Howell, a University of Toronto researcher. It was the largest supernova that broke the laws of how large a white dwarf could be before it explodes. Previously, the limit was calculated as 1.4 solar masses; however, this particular white dwarf grew to be (seemingly, based on calculations) 2.1 solar masses before exploding. A solar mass is the mass of the Sun. It was given this moniker by David Branch, a University of Oklahoma professor, because extreme explosions that offer new insight into the inner workings of supernovae are an obvious cause for celebration.
