Starship Asterisk*

The image of the Eagle nebula was used on the TV show "Star Trek: Voyager". It was used as a backdrop in the "Astrometrics Lab" where Seven of Nine used to do whatever it was she did.

I'm sort of embarrassed I know that.

The image of the Eagle nebula was used as part of the set in Star Trek: Voyager. It was used as a backdrop, located in the "Astrometrics Lab" where Seven of Nine used to hang out.

I'm sort of embarrassed that I remember that.

I did not quite follow why it is that supernovae always have a companion star. My (basic) understanding is that a star goes nova as a consequence of consuming its own fuel. This would appear to be an internal process, independent of a companion star. I'm a history major. What am I missing? Thanks al...