What catastrophic event is the primary cause of the Veil Nebula structure, described as a supernova remnant?
Answer
Core-collapse supernova
The Veil Nebula is the direct physical evidence of a massive star's violent demise, which astronomers classify specifically as a supernova remnant. This process is initiated when a star far exceeding the Sun's mass exhausts its internal fuel supply. Without the outward pressure generated by fusion to counteract its immense self-gravity, the stellar core collapses catastrophically inward. This collapse triggers a runaway thermonuclear reaction, resulting in a core-collapse supernova explosion. This explosion rapidly ejects the star's outer layers into space at extreme velocities, forming the rapidly expanding cloud of gas and dust that we now observe as the nebula.
Related Questions
What was the estimated minimum mass of the progenitor star that created the Veil Nebula?In which constellation is the sprawling Veil Nebula structure visible to observers?What was the initial age estimate, based on optical observations, for the event that created the Veil Nebula?What approximate initial expansion rate was measured for the supernova shockwave creating the Veil Nebula?Which component of the Veil Nebula, designated NGC 6960, is noted for its 'Witch's Broom' appearance?What catastrophic event is the primary cause of the Veil Nebula structure, described as a supernova remnant?Observations confirmed the presence of which three highly ionized elements in the Veil Nebula's spectral signature?Which specific age estimate, derived from X-ray profile analysis, suggests the Veil Nebula event is slightly younger than optical estimates?What specialized filters are required to bring out the fine detail of the Veil Nebula's filaments against the dark sky?The glowing filaments of the Veil Nebula are composed of the original star's matter mixed with what other material energized by the shockwave?