What spectral classification describes a hypernova explosion lacking hydrogen and helium layers?

Answer

Type Ic supernova.

The progenitor star for a hypernova must be a very massive, rapidly spinning star that has already shed its outer hydrogen and helium layers prior to collapse. When this specific star type explodes, the resulting light spectrum lacks the characteristic emission lines for both hydrogen and helium. This observational signature leads astronomers to classify the resulting explosion spectroscopically as a Type Ic supernova. Therefore, a hypernova presents optically as a Type Ic event, although its energy output is far greater than typical Type Ic events.

What spectral classification describes a hypernova explosion lacking hydrogen and helium layers?

#Videos

Hypernova: The Bigger, Badder Supernova. - YouTube

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