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

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A type II supernova is caused by the collapse of the core of a massive star, which occurs after numerous nuclear burning cycles produce iron in the core. As an evolved red giant, the star in option C would be at the right stage to produce a core collapse supernova. None of the other options involve massive stars at the correct stage of evolution to produce a type II supernova.

Which of These Is the Likely Progenitor of a Type