A 15-Solar-Mass Star Explodes as a Supernova but Astronomers Are

question 78

Multiple Choice

A 15-solar-mass star explodes as a supernova but astronomers are unable to find a visible compact object within the remnant. What is the most likely explanation?

• A) The supernova created a black hole.
• B) The supernova completely destroyed the star, leaving nothing behind.
• C) The supernova created a pulsar but it is not visible from Earth because of the direction of its rotational axis.
• D) The supernova created a pulsar but it is not visible from Earth because it is too old to generate detectable radio beams.

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Definitions:

Before Age 70

Pertaining to a time frame or events occurring prior to reaching seventy years of age.

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A class of diseases of the blood vessels - the arteries and veins of the circulatory system - which can lead to serious health problems like heart attack or stroke.

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The quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgment; the ability to make sensible decisions and give sound advice.

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