Which of These Is the Likely Progenitor of a Type

question 55

Multiple Choice

Which of these is the likely progenitor of a type II supernova?

• A) a mass-transfer binary, with the white dwarf already at 1.3 solar masses
• B) a contact binary, with the neutron star at 2.3 solar masses
• C) an evolved red giant which is just starting to make silicon in its core
• D) two white dwarfs in a contact binary system
• E) an evolved blue supergiant that is about to experience the helium flash