What is the specific explosive mechanism that triggers a Type Ia supernova?
Answer
A white dwarf accrues enough mass in a binary system to exceed the Chandrasekhar limit, triggering runaway fusion.
A Type Ia supernova occurs when a white dwarf in a binary system accumulates mass from its companion until it surpasses approximately 1.4 times the Sun's mass (the Chandrasekhar limit), leading to nearly simultaneous nuclear fusion across the star that obliterates it.
Frequently Asked Questions
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