A huge exploding star that can release about as much energy as the Sun radiates over roughly 10 billion years is a supernova. It is one of the most powerful explosive events known in the universe.
A supernova can occur when a massive star reaches the end of its life and its core collapses under gravity. The collapse launches a violent explosion that blasts the star’s outer layers into space. Another type, a Type Ia supernova, occurs when a white dwarf in a binary system undergoes a runaway thermonuclear explosion. These two broad routes have different origins but can produce extraordinarily bright events.
For a short time, a supernova may shine as brightly as an entire galaxy. The explosion also creates and disperses many heavy elements, enriching the gas from which later stars, planets and living systems can form. Supernova remnants can remain visible for thousands of years as expanding clouds of hot gas and debris.
Despite the wording, the exploding object is not simply an ordinary star briefly “burning faster.” The energy comes from core collapse or runaway nuclear fusion, depending on the supernova type.