How does the energy radiated by a supernova compare to the Sun's total expected output?
Answer
A supernova radiates more energy in seconds than the Sun emits over its entire ten-billion-year lifespan.
The energy release during a supernova explosion is described as staggering in its sheer magnitude relative to the long-term output of a star like the Sun. While the Sun is expected to shine steadily for roughly ten billion years, converting mass to energy throughout that time, a supernova explosion releases an equivalent or greater amount of energy in a vanishingly short period—just a matter of seconds. This immense power output is what allows a supernova, despite being incredibly distant, to briefly outshine entire galaxies.
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