What was the estimated minimum mass of the progenitor star that created the Veil Nebula?

Answer

20 times the mass of the Sun or greater

The creation of the Veil Nebula required a truly massive star to end its life in a core-collapse supernova. The text specifies that the estimates point toward the progenitor star possessing a mass of at least 20 times that of our Sun. Stars of this magnitude live extremely short and intense lives because they burn through their nuclear fuel supply at an accelerated rate due to the immense gravitational forces pressing inward. Once the core fuel is exhausted, gravity completely wins, leading to a rapid inward collapse which triggers the thermonuclear runaway explosion characteristic of a supernova. Any star significantly less massive would not have possessed the necessary energy budget or gravitational potential to produce a remnant of this scale and energy.

What was the estimated minimum mass of the progenitor star that created the Veil 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?
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