Editing Light curve (section)

=== Supernovae ===
{{main|Supernova}}
[[File:Comparative supernova type light curves.png|thumb|Comparative [[supernova]] type light curves]]

Light curves from [[supernova]]e can be indicative of the type of supernova. Although supernova types are defined on the basis of their spectra, each has typical light curve shapes. [[Type I supernova]]e have light curves with a sharp [[Maxima and minima|maximum]] and gradually decline, while [[Type II supernova]]e have less sharp maxima. Light curves are helpful for classification of faint supernovae and for the determination of sub-types. For example, the type II-P (for plateau) have similar spectra to the type II-L (linear) but are distinguished by a light curve where the decline flattens out for several weeks or months before resuming its fade.<ref name=hyperphysics/>