The expanding shell of gas from a supernova has the ability to compress the medium through which it is moving abruptly enough to trigger star formation. What special characteristic of this expanding shell allows it to do this?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The expanding shell of gas from a supernova is supersonic, meaning it is moving faster than the speed of sound in the medium through which it is traveling. This causes a sudden compression of the gas, which can trigger the collapse of gas clouds and the formation of new stars.

The Expanding Shell of Gas from a Supernova Has the Ability