How does the geometry of the Cygnus Loop suggest information about its immediate environment?
Answer
Its asymmetrical or clumpy appearance suggests the shock wave encountered varying densities of interstellar clouds.
The distinct, sometimes asymmetrical appearance of remnants like the Cygnus Loop is evidence that the shock wave interacted with a non-uniform interstellar medium, where denser clouds caused more abrupt deceleration and turbulence.
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