Year: 2001
Type: preprint
Abstract: We discuss the possible connection between supernova explosions (SN) and gamma-ray bursters (GRB) from the perspective of our current understanding of SN physics. Recent evidence strongly suggests that the explosion mechanism of core collapse SN is intrinsically aspherical. Typically, a neutron star is formed. However, the observed properties of the expanding SN envelopes remnants make these objects very unlikely candidates for GRBs. Most candidates for a GRB/SN connection seem to require the prompt or delayed formation of a black hole. These include the collapse of very massive stars (e.g. hypernovae) and 'classical' SNe with a significant fallback of material over time scales of hours to days, resulting in the collapse of the neutron star to a black hole. We suggest the merger of a neutron star with a white dwarf as a subclass of thermonuclear SNe and a potential candidate for a SN/GRB connection.
Source: arXiv (Cornell University)
Authors: Hoeflich, P., Khokhlov, A., Rosswog, S., Wang, L.
Language: English
Subfield: Astronomy and Astrophysics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W4394655950