A Type Ia supernova is a thermonuclear stellar explosion associated with the disruption of a carbon-oxygen white dwarf. Rapid nuclear fusion releases enough energy to unbind the compact body and eject newly processed material. Several progenitor routes are studied, including the Double-degenerate Type Ia supernova scenario; the observational class does not identify one unique prior binary history.
The subsequent radioactively powered Type Ia supernova light curve is strongly influenced by the amount and distribution of radioactive material and by photon escape through expanding ejecta. Its peak luminosity is therefore not identical in every event. Empirical standardization using light curve shape and colour makes the class useful for distances, while composition, extinction and population differences must be accounted for in precision applications.
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