Literary notes about supernova (AI summary)
The word “supernova” in literature carries a wide range of connotations, from literal cosmic phenomena to vivid metaphorical characterizations. In some narratives, it vividly depicts the explosive, transient brilliance of stellar events—illustrated by descriptions of stars radiating with a trillion-fold intensity or vanishing in a flash [1], [2], [3]—while simultaneously evoking images of immense, almost destructive power [4], [5]. In other contexts, the term is repurposed to name advanced spacecraft and cutting-edge jets, lending these vehicles an air of formidable capability and futuristic allure [6], [7], [8], [9]. Additionally, the metaphorical use extends to portray individuals as extraordinarily impactful or charismatic, as shown in the depiction of a character being “a supernova of an assistant” [10]. This flexible usage underscores both the literal and symbolic force behind the term across diverse literary landscapes.
- Once a Beowulfer vanished in a supernova flash, and when the ball of incandescence widened to nothing the ship was gone.
— from Space Viking by H. Beam Piper - The result is a “supernova” in which for a short time a single star will increase its radiation to as much as a trillion times its normal level.)
— from Worlds Within Worlds: The Story of Nuclear Energy, Volume 3 (of 3)Nuclear Fission; Nuclear Fusion; Beyond Fusion by Isaac Asimov - "Then other nuclear reactions begin to take place, and, due to the increased transparency of the star, a supernova is produced.
— from Islands of Space by Campbell, John W., Jr. (John Wood) - It was a continuous, directed explosion of light, far stronger within its narrow limits than the outburst of a supernova.
— from People Minus X by Raymond Z. Gallun - The intense radiation from the sun when it went supernova should have vaporized it!"
— from Islands of Space by Campbell, John W., Jr. (John Wood) - There was one Supernova ship with light escort, but that was enough.
— from Inside Earth by Poul Anderson - We have a Supernova with escort at Bramgar, about fifteen light-years from where you are.
— from Inside Earth by Poul Anderson - Granby, looking at the papers, said: "In 1979, I believe you purchased a Grumman Supernova jet powered aircraft from Trans-American Airlines?
— from By Proxy by Randall Garrett - That's an old Grumman Supernova stratojet.
— from By Proxy by Randall Garrett - She wasn't much to look at—not ugly, just small, brunette, and unspectacular—but she was a supernova of an assistant.
— from Industrial Revolution by Poul Anderson
