How does the supernova process affect the formation of new stars in the galactic disk?

The supernova process significantly influences the formation of new stars in the galactic disk primarily by enriching the interstellar medium with heavy elements. When a massive star explodes in a supernova, it disperses its outer layers, which contain a variety of elements formed during its life cycle. This explosion not only releases energy but also contributes to the chemical enrichment of the surrounding gas and dust.

This enriched material becomes part of the interstellar medium and provides the building blocks for new stars. The heavy elements (metals) play a crucial role in cooling the gas, allowing it to collapse under its own gravity to form new stars. Without this enrichment, the material available for star formation would predominantly consist of lighter elements like hydrogen and helium, which are less efficient at fostering the cooling and clumping necessary for star formation.

Thus, rather than hindering or directly eliminating star formation, supernovae enhance the star formation process by contributing essential elements and triggering the conditions necessary for new stars to form in the galactic disk.