How do I simulate a supernova?

Open this page and use the live Escape Velocity tool below — set your inputs and the simulation runs instantly in your browser using real numerics. No install, no account needed.

Yes. The simulation runs free in your browser. A one-time unlock or a Pro plan adds advanced parameters, saved presets, data import, and clean exports.

Can I use my own numbers?

Absolutely — every input is adjustable, and with data import you can drive a supernova from your own measurements.

Use case · powered by Escape Velocity

Escape Velocity for a supernova

Simulate a supernova live in your browser. This runs the real Escape Velocity solver — adjust the inputs, watch it respond instantly, and export the result. No install, no account.

For:Students Researchers Educators Engineers Hobbyists & Makers K-12 Students First Responders

Escape & Orbital VelocityLive

how fast to leave a world

Escape velocity — Earth

11.19km/s

7.91

orbital km/s

1.00

surface g (× Earth)

Controls

Custom body

Presets

Escape velocity v = √(2GM/R) is the speed needed to break free of a body's gravity from its surface, ignoring air resistance. Circular orbital velocity is √(GM/R) — a factor of √2 smaller. Both depend only on mass and radius, not on the mass of the escaping object.

▶ Run in Python

Data Inspector

Escape velocity11.19 km/s

Orbital velocity7.91 km/s

Surface gravity9.82 m/s²

Governing equation

v_{e} = \frac{2 GM}{R} = \frac{2 ( 6.674 \times 1 0 ^{- 11} ) ( 5.97 e + 24 )}{6.37 e + 6} = 11.19 km/s

Reading this result: Leaving Earth takes 11.2 km/s no matter the spacecraft mass, while a circular orbit needs only 7.9 km/s — smaller by exactly √2 (about 1.41×).

Runs locally in your browser — free forever. Scale to the cloud when reality gets heavy.

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About this simulation

The full Escape Velocity tool models a supernova with the same numerics engineers and scientists use — running entirely client-side. Change any parameter and the result updates in real time, so you can build intuition, check a design, or teach the concept without spreadsheets or installs.

More you can do with Escape Velocity

Escape Velocity for a planet orbit Escape Velocity for a binary star Escape Velocity for a black hole Escape Velocity for a galaxy rotation Escape Velocity for a comet path Escape Velocity for a solar eclipse Escape Velocity for a star's life Escape Velocity for an exoplanet transit

Other ways to simulate a supernova

Exoplanet Transit for a supernova H-R Diagram for a supernova Lagrange Points for a supernova Roche Limit for a supernova Hubble's Law for a supernova Telescope Optics for a supernova

Frequently asked questions

How do I simulate a supernova?: Open this page and use the live Escape Velocity tool below — set your inputs and the simulation runs instantly in your browser using real numerics. No install, no account needed.
Is it free?: Yes. The simulation runs free in your browser. A one-time unlock or a Pro plan adds advanced parameters, saved presets, data import, and clean exports.
Can I use my own numbers?: Absolutely — every input is adjustable, and with data import you can drive a supernova from your own measurements.