also: ごくちょうしんせい
hypernova
Astronomical term for an extremely energetic supernova, more powerful than a typical supernova.
A hypernova is an explosion phenomenon far brighter than an ordinary supernova.
超新星 is a supernova; 極超新星 is a hypernova, a more extreme and rarer event.
Standard kanji spelling for this astronomical term.
Alternate reading; きょくちょうしんせい is more common.
Compound of 極 (extreme) + 超 (super) + 新星 (nova). The term is a direct calque of English 'hypernova'.