well they would be. Supernova explosions are still not in-depth understood. But we are doing our best with simulations and improving theory, until we have something to observe. :)
My friend had a chance to do data reduction for 2 months of a new supernova event. during the night, one team was observing, next day they did data reduction, and then again... compiling lots of data. :) I would dare to say that all theoretical science is based on trial and error. :)