Difference Between NOVA and SUPERNOVA

• Nova and supernova are two totally different astronomical events contrary to popular misconception that supernova is a nova with a greater intensity

• Nova is sudden brightening of a white dwarf star that is close to a simple star and operates in a binary system

• Fusion takes place on the surface of white dwarf because of matter gravitating from simple star and this explains release of energy and brightening of dwarf star

• Supernova is the beginning of the end of a star, which takes place when the mass of a star reaches its critical limit

• Supernova ends up the star with all its fuel consumed.