Supernova Spectacular

What element's spectral lines are commonly observed in the emission spectrum of a Type II supernova?

• Hydrogen

• Helium

• Iron

• Carbon

Which type of supernova is characterized by the absence of hydrogen in its emission spectrum?

• Type Ia

• Type Ib

• Type II

• Type Ic

What is the primary mechanism for the emission of light in a supernova explosion?

• Thermal radiation from the hot, expanding gas

• Reflection of light from nearby stars

• Emission from radioactive decay of elements

• Laser emission from ionized gas clouds

How does a supernova impact the surrounding interstellar medium?

• It cools it down significantly

• It has no significant impact

• It enriches it with heavy elements

• It creates a vacuum in space

What is the role of supernovae in the formation of new stars?

• They prevent the formation of new stars

• They have no role in star formation

• They trigger the formation of new stars by compressing nearby gas clouds

• They only destroy existing stars

In the context of "The Simpsons," which character is most likely to give a presentation on supernovae?

• Homer Simpson

• Bart Simpson

• Lisa Simpson

• Marge Simpson

What is a neutron star, and how is it related to supernovae?

• A star made entirely of neutrons, often the result of a Type Ia supernova

• A star made entirely of neutrons, often the result of a Type II supernova

• A hypothetical star with no relation to supernovae

• A star that emits only neutrons

What is the significance of the "Chandrasekhar limit" in the context of supernovae?

• It is the maximum mass of a star that can become a supernova

• It is the minimum mass of a white dwarf above which it will explode as a Type Ia supernova

• It is the distance from a supernova at which its impact on the Earth would be catastrophic

• It is the maximum brightness of a supernova

How long can the afterglow of a supernova last?

• A few days

• Several months

• Up to a few years

• Forever

What is the "light curve" of a supernova?

• The path light takes as it escapes the supernova

• The shape of the supernova remnant

• A graph showing the change in brightness of the supernova over time

• The spectrum of light emitted by the supernova