But, how do we know that this explosion corresponds to this type of supernova? We can tell that thanks to spectroscopy. Spectroscopy allows us to measure, through the study of the star’s light, what elements (and some other awesome facts) are present in a star, a galaxy or, in this case, in the early remnants of a supernova. When silicone is present, in those specific peaks shown in the spectrum taken by Robin Leadbeater, we can tell for sure that the explosion corresponds to a type 1a supernova