454-type-2-supernova-diagram-dixon – Diagram for Scientific American shows steps in a celestial cataclysm. A vertical, multi-stage astrophysical infographic illustrating the sequential mechanics of a core-collapse (Type II) supernova event inside a massive star. The diagram details the transition from an onion-skin elemental shell structure down to gravitational collapse and the asymmetric explosion mechanisms against a deep black space background: Top Stage: A massive evolved supergiant star is shown in a three-quarter cutaway, detailing its interior concentric shells of advanced nuclear burning (the "onion-skin" model). A callout lines up with the innermost zone, zooming in on the dense iron core where black vectors point inward to represent overwhelming gravitational pressures attempting to trigger core collapse. Middle Stage: A secondary circular callout details the moment of core collapse. The central core has imploded into an ultradense stellar remnant (neutron star or black hole), while white arrows blast outward against the inward-rushing outer layers, showing the bounce shockwave mechanism. Bottom Left Stage: The shockwave propagates unevenly through the star's remaining envelope, showing the early development of an asymmetric, butterfly-shaped stellar explosion with white outward-pointing expansion vectors. Bottom Right Stage: The final phase details the violent, fully developed supernova remnant expanding rapidly into a non-spherical nebula of gas and dust. A prominent central arrow indicates the rapid space-velocity "kick" given to the central compact stellar remnant as it is ejected from the center of the asymmetric blast zone.Artwork © 2007 Don Dixon / cosmographica.com
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