Supernovae

This volume introduces a spectroscopic and photometric classification of supernovae with the aim of relating these observational classifications to progenitor characteristics ( stellar core and envelope, circumstellar environment ) and to explosion mechanisms. Further chapters deal with supernova statistics, neutrino and gravitational wave detection of stellar collapses, late stages of stellar evolution culminating in binary star accretion-induced thermal runaway, deflagration or detonation, nuclear equation of state and weak coupling between neutrinos and matter. The evolution of supernova remnants and their effects on the interstellar medium are also considered, as are the possibilities of neutrino-induced nucleosynthesis.Special emphasis is placed on the fascinating results obtained from supernova 1987A in the Large Magellanic Cloud.