Kernel Panic
A kernel panic is a safety measure taken by an operating systems kernel upon detecting an internal fatal error in which it is unable to safely recover or continuing to run the system would have a higher risk of major data loss. It is used by an OS kernel to alert users to a problem and prevent further issues once detected.
In the context of Linux, a kernel panic occurs when the kernel cant load properly, leading to a system failure to boot. This can happen due to various reasons such as corrupted initramfs, hardware failure, software bugs, or incompatible hardware.
In the case of Mac OS, a kernel panic can occur due to faulty software or damaged/incompatible hardware, including external devices attached to the Mac.
When a kernel panic occurs, the system stops to prevent further damage and facilitate diagnosis of the error. It is an indication of the systems inability to execute some functions, implying a lack of enough RAM or the presence of malfunctioning hardware.