What colossal event occurs when a high-mass star collapses because it can no longer generate energy?
Answer
Supernova
High-mass stars have the ability to fuse progressively heavier elements until they create iron. Once iron is produced, the star can no longer generate the energy required to support itself against gravity. The core collapses in a fraction of a second, causing a violent explosion known as a supernova, which is one of the most energetic events in the universe and can briefly outshine an entire galaxy.
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