What key spectral feature distinguishes a Type II supernova progenitor, according to classification tables?

Answer

Presence of Hydrogen Lines

The initial classification system for supernovae relies heavily on the presence or absence of specific elemental signatures in the observed light spectrum. Type II supernovae are specifically characterized by the clear presence of Hydrogen Lines. This spectral signature indicates that the progenitor star, which undergoes core collapse, retained its outermost hydrogen envelope right up until the moment of explosion. This contrasts sharply with Type I supernovae, which, by definition, lack hydrogen lines. For instance, Type Ia events lack hydrogen and show strong ionized silicon, while Type Ib events lack hydrogen but show neutral helium lines, thus the defining feature for Type II is the intact hydrogen envelope evidenced by its spectral lines.

What key spectral feature distinguishes a Type II supernova progenitor, according to classification tables?

Related Questions

What remnant typically remains after a Core Collapse supernova involving a star 8x the Sun's mass?Why are Type Ia supernovae useful as standard candles for cosmology?What process occurring during the supernova explosion creates elements heavier than iron, like uranium?What distinct cosmic event is defined by the merger of two neutron stars, emitting gravitational waves?What mass threshold must a white dwarf stay below to remain stable via electron degeneracy pressure?What is the minimum mass requirement for a star to undergo a Core Collapse supernova event?How close must a supernova explode to Earth to potentially strip away the atmosphere and render the planet uninhabitable?What key spectral feature distinguishes a Type II supernova progenitor, according to classification tables?How long does the initial shock breakout phase of a supernova explosion typically last?What specific characteristic regarding the detected gravitational wave signature suggested the AT2025ulz event involved a sub-solar mass neutron star merger?
astronomystarexplosioncelestial body