Going Supernova: Stellar Explosions as Objects of and Tools for Discovery

Supernovae and other stellar explosions hold an undeniable fascination for humankind. But while fiery explosions of light and gas from exploding stars are well known (and enshrined in many a sci-fi story), the science underlying them is only now beginning to be revealed. Advancements in astronomy, physics, technology, and computing are powering new investigations into the processes of star life and death. Experiments using exotic atoms are shedding light on the nuclear processes involved in stellar explosions, while advances in astronomy allow nucleosynthesis to be examined in detail. Vast new observatories will study neutrinos emitted from nearby supernovae, illuminating the core collapse of a star in real time and potentially exposing the birth of a black hole. Scientists are even using supernovae as tools to study the mysterious phenomenon of dark energy, which may give us hints about the ultimate fate of the universe. This session highlights recent results and advancements in these areas.