The Pistol in Sagittarius is one of the most massive known stars.But it has lost much of its original 200 solar masses.How long is the entire mass-loss process estimated to take?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The question states that the Pistol star has lost much of its original 200 solar masses, indicating that it is currently in the process of mass-loss. Based on our current understanding of massive star evolution, this process typically takes a few million years. Therefore, option C, a few million years, is the best choice. Option A, an explosion lasting a few seconds, is not applicable here as the question is not asking about a supernova explosion. Option B, hundreds of millions of years, and option D, a billion years, are too long for the mass-loss process of a massive star.

The Pistol in Sagittarius Is One of the Most Massive