Back to Article List From the January 2009 issue Ask Astro web extra: What is the difference between a nova and a supernova? Associate Editor Daniel Pendick explains how novas and supernovas are different. By Astronomy Staff | Published: January 26, 2009 The remnant of supernova 1987A lies roughly 169,000 light-years away. AURA / STScI / NASA Downloadable File(s) Podcast March 2009 Ask Astro Supernova (2689kB)