Type Ic supernova

Definition

A type Ic supernova is a stellar explosion resulting from the collapse of a massive star that has lost its outer layers of hydrogen and helium. These events are significant sources of gamma-ray bursts and heavy elements in the universe.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Type Ic supernovae lack hydrogen and helium lines in their spectra, distinguishing them from other types of supernovae.
2. They are often associated with the deaths of Wolf-Rayet stars, which have strong stellar winds that strip away their outer layers.
3. Type Ic supernovae can produce long-duration gamma-ray bursts (GRBs), one of the most energetic events in the universe.
4. They contribute to the cosmic abundance of heavy elements through nucleosynthesis during their explosive deaths.
5. The progenitor stars for type Ic supernovae are typically more massive than those leading to type Ia or type II supernovae.

Related terms

Gamma-Ray Burst (GRB): A highly energetic explosion observed in distant galaxies, often linked with certain types of supernovae like type Ic.

Wolf-Rayet Star: A massive star characterized by strong stellar winds that strip away its outer hydrogen and helium layers, potentially leading to a type Ic supernova.

Nucleosynthesis:

The process by which heavier chemical elements are synthesized from lighter atomic nuclei during stellar explosions such as supernovae.