Sample interview questions: Can you explain the concept of supernovae and their impact on galactic evolution?
Sample answer:
Supernovae
Supernovae are the cataclysmic explosions of massive stars that have exhausted their nuclear fuel. These explosions release vast amounts of energy, ejecting heavy elements into the interstellar medium.
Impact on Galactic Evolution
Supernovae play a pivotal role in galactic evolution by:
- Enrichment: Supernovae release newly synthesized heavy elements into the galactic environment, enriching the interstellar medium and subsequent star generations with these vital elements.
- Feedback: The energy released by supernovae drives the expansion of hot, ionized regions known as superbubbles. These bubbles can compress neighboring gas and trigger star formation, regulating the pace of galactic evolution.
- Disruption: Supernovae can disrupt molecular clouds, triggering the formation of new stars and dispersing gas and dust into the interstellar medium.
- Nucleosynthesis: Supernovae are responsible for synthesizing and dispersing the heavier elements beyond iron in the periodic table, including gold, uranium, and plutonium.
- Galactic Structure: Supernova-driven winds and outflows contribute to the formation of galactic structures, such as spiral arms and bars, by shaping the distribution of gas a… Read full answer