Supernova Light Curve

What you are seeing: a supernova fireball expanding homologously, with its bolometric light curve L(t) and the 56Ni -> 56Co -> 56Fe radioactive decay chain that powers it. Toggle between SN 2011fe (Type Ia, the standard candle) and SN 1987A (Type II core-collapse). Drag the canvas to orbit, scroll to zoom

Figure 1. Supernova in 3D: homologously expanding fireball (left), bolometric light curve L(t) with the Ni decay tail and Co tail (right), and the live mass partition Ni / Co / Fe (lower). Method: decay-chain + diffusion trapping; closed-form Bateman equations for the chain mass partition.

SN preset2011fe

56Ni mass (M_sun)0.60

diffusion time (d)14

v_ej (km/s)11000

WHAT TO TRY

Vary each control and watch the rail readouts respond.
Compare the diagnostic plot against the live scene.