Core-collapse Supernova Explosions Research Articles

The Sun and core-collapse supernovae are leading probes of the neutrino lifetime

The large distances travelled by neutrinos emitted from the Sun and core-collapse supernovae together with the characteristic energy of such neutrinos provide ideal conditions to probe their lifetime, when the decay products evade detection. We investigate the prospects of probing invisible neutrino decay capitalising on the detection of solar and supernova neutrinos as well as the diffuse supernova neutrino background (DSNB) in the next-generation neutrino observatories Hyper-Kamiokande, DUNE, JUNO, DARWIN, and RES-NOVA.We find that future solar neutrino data will be sensitive to values of the lifetime-to-mass ratio τ 1/m 1 and τ 2/m 2 of 𝒪(10-1–10-2) s/eV. From a core-collapse supernova explosion at 10 kpc, lifetime-to-mass ratios of the three mass eigenstates of 𝒪(105) s/eV could be tested. After 20 years of data taking, the DSNB would extend the sensitivity reach of τ 1/m 1 to 108 s/eV. These results promise an improvement of about 6–15 orders of magnitude on the values of the decay parameters with respect to existing limits.

Neutrinos from Core-Collapse Supernova Explosions

Abstract The observation of supernova neutrinos from SN1987A by Kamiokande was an epoch-making event for both neutrino astronomy and supernova physics. Basic points in the standard pictures of stellar evolution and core-collapse supernovae were verified and research on them entered new advanced stages. In this article we give an overview of the supernova neutrinos emitted from core-collapse supernova explosions as well as the significance of their observations.

Neutrino-driven Outflows and the Elemental Abundance Patterns of Very Metal-poor Stars

The elemental abundances between strontium and silver (Z = 38–47) observed in the atmospheres of very metal-poor stars in the Galaxy may contain the fingerprint of the weak r-process and ν p-process occurring in early core-collapse supernovae explosions. In this work, we combine various astrophysical conditions based on a steady-state model to cover the richness of the supernova ejecta in terms of entropy, expansion timescale, and electron fraction. The calculated abundances based on different combinations of conditions are compared with stellar observations, with the aim of constraining supernova ejecta conditions. We find that some conditions of the neutrino-driven outflows consistently reproduce the observed abundances of our sample. In addition, from the successful combinations, the neutron-rich trajectories better reproduce the observed abundances of Sr–Zr (Z = 38–40), while the proton-rich ones, Mo–Pd (Z = 42–47).

Supernova Burst and Diffuse Supernova Neutrino Background Simulator for Water Cherenkov Detectors

If a Galactic core-collapse supernova explosion occurs in the future, it will be critical to rapidly alert the community to the direction of the supernova by utilizing neutrino signals in order to enable the initiation of follow-up optical observations. In addition, there is anticipation that observation of the diffuse supernova neutrino background will yield discoveries in the near future, given that experimental upper limits are approaching theoretical predictions. We have developed a new supernova event simulator for water Cherenkov neutrino detectors, such as the highly sensitive Super-Kamiokande. This simulator calculates the neutrino interaction in water for two simulation purposes, individual core-collapse supernova bursts and diffuse supernova neutrino background. Based on this simulator, we can evaluate the precision in determining the location of supernovae and estimate the expected number of events related to the diffuse supernova neutrino background in Super-Kamiokande. In this paper, we describe the basic structure of the simulator and its demonstration.

Revisiting the abundance pattern and charge-exchange emission in the centre of M82

The interstellar medium (ISM) in starburst galaxies contains many chemical elements that are synthesised by core-collapse supernova explosions. By measuring the abundances of these metals, we can study the chemical enrichment within the galaxies and the transportation of metals into the circumgalactic environment through powerful outflows. We performed a spectral analysis of the X-ray emissions from the core of M82 using the Reflection Grating Spectrometer (RGS) on board XMM-Newton to accurately estimate the metal abundances in the ISM. We analysed over 300\,ks of RGS data observed with 14 position angles, covering a cross-dispersion width of 80\,arcsec. We employed multi-temperature thermal plasma components in collisional ionisation equilibrium (CIE) to reproduce the observed spectra, each of which exhibited a different spatial broadening. The O VII band CCD image shows a broader distribution that those for the O VIII and Fe-L bands. The O VIII line profiles have a prominent double-peaked structure that corresponds to the north- and southward outflows. The O VII triplet feature exhibits marginal peaks. A single CIE component that is convolved with the O VII band image approximately reproduces the spectral shape. A CIE model combined with a charge-exchange emission model also successfully reproduces the O VII line profiles. However, the ratio of these two components varies significantly with the observed position angles, which is physically implausible. Spectral fitting of the broadband spectra suggests a multi-temperature phase in the ISM that is approximated by three components at 0.1, 0.4, and 0.7\,keV. Notably, the 0.1\,keV component exhibits a broader distribution than the 0.4 and 0.7\,keV plasmas. The derived abundance pattern shows super-solar N/O, solar Ne/O and Mg/O, and half-solar Fe/O ratios. These results indicate the chemical enrichment by core-collapse supernovae in starburst galaxies.

Determining the core-collapse supernova explosion mechanism with current and future gravitational-wave observatories

Determining the core-collapse supernova explosion mechanism with current and future gravitational-wave observatories

Synthetic light curves and spectra from a self-consistent 2D simulation of an ultra-strippped supernova

ABSTRACT Spectroscopy is an important tool for providing insights into the structure of core-collapse supernova explosions. We use the Monte Carlo radiative transfer code artis to compute synthetic spectra and light curves based on a two-dimensional explosion model of an ultra-stripped supernova. These calculations are designed both to identify observable fingerprints of ultra-stripped supernovae and as a proof of principle for using synthetic spectroscopy to constrain the nature of stripped-envelope supernovae more broadly. We predict characteristic spectral and photometric features for our ultra-stripped explosion model, and find that these do not match observed ultra-stripped supernova candidates like SN 2005ek. With a peak bolometric luminosity of $6.8\times 10^{41}\, \mathrm{erg}\, \mathrm{s}^{-1}$, a peak magnitude of $-15.9\, \mathrm{mag}$ in R band, and Δm15,R = 3.50, the model is even fainter and evolves even faster than SN 2005ek as the closest possible analogue in photometric properties. The predicted spectra are extremely unusual. The most prominent features are Mg ii lines at $2 {,}800\, {\mathring{\rm A}}$ and $4 {,}500\, {\mathring{\rm A}}$ and the infrared Ca triplet at late times. The Mg lines are sensitive to the multidimensional structure of the model and are viewing-angle dependent. They disappear due to line blanketing by iron group elements in a spherically averaged model with additional microscopic mixing. In future studies, multi-D radiative transfer calculations need to be applied to a broader range of models to elucidate the nature of observed Type Ib/c supernovae.

The evolutionary route to form planetary nebulae with central neutron star–white dwarf binary systems

ABSTRACT We present a possible evolutionary pathway to form planetary nebulae (PNe) with close neutron star (NS)–white dwarf (WD) binary central stars. By employing the binary population synthesis technique, we find that the evolution involves two common envelope evolution (CEE) phases and a core collapse supernova explosion between them that forms the NS. Later the lower mass star engulfs the NS as it becomes a red giant, a process that leads to the second CEE phase and to the ejection of the envelope. This leaves a hot horizontal branch star that evolves to become a helium WD and an expanding nebula. Both the WD and the NS power the nebula. The NS in addition might power a pulsar wind nebula inside the expanding PN. From our simulations we find that the Galactic formation rate of NS–WD PNe is $1.8 \times 10^{-5}\, {\rm yr}^{-1}$ while the Galactic formation rate of all PNe is $0.42 \, {\rm yr}^{-1}$. There is a possibility that one of the observed Galactic PNe might be a NS–WD PN, and a few NS–WD PNe might exist in the Galaxy. The central binary systems might be sources for future gravitational wave detectors like LISA, and possibly of electromagnetic telescopes.

Multimessenger Diagnostics of the Engine behind Core-collapse Supernovae

Core-collapse supernova explosions play a wide role in astrophysics by producing compact remnants (neutron stars or black holes) and the synthesis and injection of many heavy elements into their host galaxy. Because they are produced in some of the most extreme conditions in the universe, they can also probe physics in extreme conditions (matter at nuclear densities and extreme temperatures and magnetic fields). To quantify the impact of supernovae on both fundamental physics and our understanding of the universe, we must leverage a broad set of observables of this engine. In this paper, we study a subset of these probes using a suite of one-dimensional, parameterized mixing models: ejecta remnants from supernovae, ultraviolet, optical and infrared light curves, and transient gamma-ray emission. We review the other diagnostics and show how the different probes tie together to provide a more clear picture of the supernova engine. Join us in improving and evolving this document through active community engagement. Instructions are provided at this link: https://github.com/clfryer/MM-SNe.

Fallback onto kicked neutron stars and its effect on spin-kick alignment

ABSTRACT Fallback in core-collapse supernova explosions is potentially of significant importance for the birth spins of neutron stars and black holes. It has recently been pointed out that the angular momentum imparted onto a compact remnant by fallback material is subtly intertwined with its kick because fallback onto a moving neutron star or black hole will preferentially come for a conical region around its direction of travel. We show that contrary to earlier expectations such one-sided fallback accretion onto a neutron star will tend to produce spin-kick misalignment. Since the baroclinic driving term in the vorticity equation is perpendicular to the nearly radial pressure gradient, convective eddies in the progenitor as well as Rayleigh–Taylor plumes growing during the explosion primarily carry angular momentum perpendicular to the radial direction. Fallback material from the accretion volume of a moving neutron star therefore carries substantial angular momentum perpendicular to the kick velocity. We estimate the seed angular momentum fluctuations from convective motions in core-collapse supernova progenitors and argue that accreted fallback material will almost invariably be accreted with the maximum permissible specific angular momentum for reaching the Alfvén radius. This imposes a limit of ${\sim }10^{-2}\, \mathrm{M}_\odot$ of fallback accretion for fast-spinning young neutron stars with periods of ${\sim }20\, \mathrm{ms}$ and less for longer birth spin periods.

Study of the 44Ti(α, p)47V reaction rate using high-precision 50Cr(p, t)48Cr measurements

The abundance and distribution of 44Ti tells us about the nature of the core-collapse supernovae explosions. There is a need to understand the nuclear reaction network creating and destroying 44Ti in order to use it as a probe for the explosive mechanism. The 44Ti(α, p)47V reaction is a very important reaction and it controls the destruction of 44Ti. Difficulties with direct measurements have led to an attempt to study this reaction indirectly. Here, the first step of the indirect study which is the identification of levels of the compound nucleus 48Cr is presented. A 100-MeV proton beam was incident on a 50Cr target. States in 48Cr were populated in the 50Cr(p, t)48Cr reaction. The tritons were momentum-analysed in the K600 Q2D magnetic spectrometer at iThemba LABS.

Near-infrared Spectroscopy of Dense Ejecta Knots in the Outer Eastern Area of the Cassiopeia A Supernova Remnant

The Cassiopeia A supernova remnant has a complex structure, manifesting the multidimensional nature of core-collapse supernova explosions. To further understand this, we carried out near-infrared multiobject spectroscopy on the ejecta knots located in the northeastern (NE) jet and Fe K plume regions, which are two distinct features in the outer eastern area of the remnant. Our study reveals that the knots exhibit varying ratios of [S ii] 1.03, [P ii] 1.189, and [Fe ii] 1.257 μm lines depending on their locations within the remnant, suggesting regional differences in elemental composition. Notably, the knots in the NE jet are mostly S-rich with weak or no [P ii] lines, implying that they originated below the explosive Ne-burning layer, consistent with the results of previous studies. We detected no ejecta knots exhibiting only [Fe ii] lines in the NE jet area that are expected in the jet-driven supernova explosion model. Instead, we discovered a dozen Fe-rich knots in the Fe K plume area. We propose that they are dense knots produced by a complete Si burning with α-rich freeze-out in the innermost region of the progenitor and ejected with the diffuse X-ray-emitting Fe ejecta but decoupled after crossing the reverse shock. In addition to these metal-rich ejecta knots, several knots emitting only He i 1.083 μm lines were detected, and their origin remains unclear. We also detected three extended H emission features of circumstellar or interstellar origin in this area and discuss their association with the supernova remnant.

The force explosion condition is consistent with spherically symmetric CCSN explosions

ABSTRACT One of the major challenges in core-collapse supernova (CCSN) theory is to predict which stars explode and which collapse to black holes. The analytic force explosion condition (FEC) shows promise in predicting which stars explode in that the FEC is consistent with CCSN simulations that use the light-bulb approximation for neutrino heating and cooling. In this follow-up manuscript, we take the next step and show that the FEC is consistent with the explosion condition when using actual neutrino transport in gr1d simulations. Since most 1D simulations do not explode, to facilitate this test, we enhance the heating efficiency within the gain region. To compare the analytic FEC and radiation-hydrodynamic simulations, this manuscript also presents a practical translation of the physical parameters. For example: we replace the neutrino power deposited in the gain region, Lντg, with the net neutrino heating in the gain region; rather than assuming that $\dot{M}$ is the same everywhere, we calculate $\dot{M}$ within the gain region; and we use the neutrino opacity at the gain radius. With small, yet practical modifications, we show that the FEC predicts the explosion conditions in spherically symmetric CCSN simulations that use neutrino transport.

Tracer Particles for Core-collapse Supernova Nucleosynthesis: The Advantages of Moving Backward

After decades, the theoretical study of core-collapse supernova explosions is moving from parameterized, spherically symmetric models to increasingly realistic multidimensional simulations. However, obtaining nucleosynthesis yields based on such multidimensional core-collapse supernova simulations is not straightforward. Frequently, tracer particles are employed. Tracer particles may be tracked in situ during the simulation, but often they are reconstructed in a post-processing step based on the information saved during the hydrodynamic simulation. Reconstruction can be done in a number of ways, and here we compare the approaches of backward and forward integration of the equations of motion to the results based on inline particle trajectories. We find that both methods agree reasonably well with the inline results for isotopes for which a large number of particles contribute. However, for rarer isotopes that are produced only by a small number of particle trajectories, deviations can be large. For our setup, we find that backward integration leads to better agreement with the inline particles by more accurately reproducing the conditions following freeze-out from nuclear statistical equilibrium, because the establishment of nuclear statistical equilibrium erases the need for detailed trajectories at earlier times. Based on our results, if inline tracers are unavailable, we recommend backward reconstruction to the point when nuclear statistical equilibrium was last applied, with an interval between simulation snapshots of at most 1 ms for nucleosynthesis post-processing.

Effect of stellar rotation on the development of post-shock instabilities during core-collapse supernovae

Context. The growth of hydrodynamical instabilities is key to triggering a core-collapse supernova explosion during the phase of stalled accretion shock, immediately after the birth of a proto-neutron star (PNS). Stellar rotation is known to affect the standing accretion shock instability (SASI) even for small rotation rates, but its effect on the onset of neutrino-driven convection is still poorly known. Aims. We assess the effect of stellar rotation on SASI when neutrino heating is taken into account as well as the effect of rotation on neutrino-driven convection. The interplay of rotation with these two instabilities affects the frequency of the mode m = 2, which can be detected with gravitational waves at the onset of a supernova explosion. Methods. We used a linear stability analysis to study the dynamics of the accreting gas in the equatorial plane between the surface of the PNS and the stationary shock. We explored rotation effects on the relative strength of SASI and convection by considering a large range of specific angular momenta and neutrino luminosities. Results. The nature of the dominant non-axisymmetric instability developing in the equatorial post-shock region depends on both the convection parameter, χ, and the rotation rate. Equatorial convective modes with χ ≳ 5 are hampered by differential rotation. At smaller χ, however, mixed SASI-convective modes with a large angular scale, m = 1, 2, 3, can take advantage of rotation and become dominant for relatively low rotation rates, at which centrifugal effects are small. For rotation rates exceeding ∼30% of the Keplerian rotation at the PNS surface, a new instability regime is characterised by a frequency that, when measured in units of the post-shock velocity and radius, vsh/rsh, is nearly independent of the convection parameter, χ. A strong prograde m = 2 spiral dominates over a large parameter range and is favorable to the production of gravitational waves. In this regime, a simple linear relation exists between the oscillation frequency of the dominant mode and the specific angular momentum of the accreted gas. Conclusions. Three different regimes of post-shock instabilities can be distinguished depending on the rotation rate. For low rotation rates (less than 10% of the Keplerian rotation at the PNS surface), differential rotation has a linear destabilising effect on SASI and a quadratic stabilising or destabilising effect on the purely convective equatorial modes depending on their azimuthal wavenumber. Intermediate rotation rates (10% to 30% of the Keplerian rotation) lead to the emergence of mixed SASI-convection-rotation modes that involve large angular scales. Finally, strong rotation erases the influence of the buoyancy and heating rate on the instability. This independence allows for a reduction in the parameter space, which can be helpful for gravitational wave analysis.

Analytic approach to axion-like-particle emission in core-collapse supernovae

We investigate the impact of a presumed axion-like-particle (ALP) emission in a core-collapse supernova explosion on neutrino luminosities and mean energies employing a relatively simple analytic description. We compute the nuclear Bremsstrahlung and Primakoff axion luminosities as functions of the protoneutron star (PNS) parameters and discuss how the ALP luminosities compete with the neutrino emission, modifying the total PNS thermal energy dissipation. Our results are publicly available in the python package ARtiSANS, which can be used to compute the neutrino and axion observables for different choices of parameters.

The Black Hole Candidate Swift J1728.9–3613 and the Supernova Remnant G351.9–0.9

A number of neutron stars have been observed within the remnants of the core-collapse supernova explosions that created them. In contrast, black holes are not yet clearly associated with supernova remnants (SNRs). Indeed, some observations suggest that black holes are “born in the dark,” i.e., without a supernova explosion. Herein, we present a multiwavelength analysis of the X-ray transient Swift J1728.9−3613, based on observations made with Chandra, ESO-VISTA, MeerKAT, NICER, NuSTAR, Swift, and XMM-Newton. Three independent diagnostics indicate that the system likely harbors a black hole primary. Infrared imaging signals a massive companion star that is broadly consistent with an A or B spectral type. Most importantly, the X-ray binary lies within the central region of the cataloged SNR G351.9−0.9. Our deep MeerKAT image at 1.28 GHz signals that the remnant is in the Sedov phase; this fact and the nondetection of the soft X-ray emission expected from such a remnant argue that it lies at a distance that could coincide with the black hole. Utilizing a formal measurement of the distance to Swift J1728.9−3613 (d = 8.4 ± 0.8 kpc), a lower limit on the distance to G351.9−0.9 (d ≥ 7.5 kpc), and the number and distribution of black holes and SNRs within the Milky Way, extensive simulations suggest that the probability of a chance superposition is <1.7% (99.7% credible interval). The discovery of a black hole within an SNR would support numerical simulations that produce black holes and remnants, and thus provide clear observational evidence of distinct black hole formation channels. We discuss the robustness of our analysis and some challenges to this interpretation.

Strong Variability in AzV 493, an Extreme Oe-type Star in the SMC

We present 18 yr of OGLE photometry together with spectra obtained over 12 yr revealing that the early Oe star AzV 493 shows strong photometric (ΔI < 1.2 mag) and spectroscopic variability with a dominant, 14.6 yr pattern and ∼40 day oscillations. We estimate the stellar parameters T eff = 42,000 K, , M/M ⊙ = 50 ± 9, and v sin i = 370 ± 40 km s−1. Direct spectroscopic evidence shows episodes of both gas ejection and infall. There is no X-ray detection, and it is likely a runaway star. The star AzV 493 may have an unseen companion on a highly eccentric (e > 0.93) orbit. We propose that close interaction at periastron excites ejection of the decretion disk, whose variable emission-line spectrum suggests separate inner and outer components, with an optically thick outer component obscuring both the stellar photosphere and the emission-line spectrum of the inner disk at early phases in the photometric cycle. It is plausible that AzV 493’s mass and rotation have been enhanced by binary interaction followed by the core-collapse supernova explosion of the companion, which now could be either a black hole or a neutron star. This system in the Small Magellanic Cloud can potentially shed light on OBe decretion disk formation and evolution, massive binary evolution, and compact binary progenitors.

Stellar Initial Mass Function (IMF) Probed with Supernova Rates and Neutrino Background: Cosmic-average IMF Slope Is ≃2–3 Similar to the Salpeter IMF

The stellar initial mass function (IMF) is expressed by ϕ(m) ∝ m − α with the slope α, and known as a poorly constrained but very important function in studies of star and galaxy formation. There are no sensible observational constraints on the IMF slopes beyond the Milky Way and nearby galaxies. Here we combine two sets of observational results, (1) cosmic densities of core-collapse supernova (CCSN) explosion rates and (2) cosmic far-UV radiation (and infrared reradiation) densities, which are sensitive to massive (≃8–50 M ⊙) and moderately massive (≃2.5–7 M ⊙) stars, respectively, and constrain the IMF slope at m > 1 M ⊙ with a freedom of redshift evolution. Although no redshift evolution is identified beyond the uncertainties, we find that the cosmic-average IMF slope at z = 0 is α = 1.8–3.2 at the 95% confidence level that is comparable with the Salpeter IMF, α = 2.35, which marks the first constraint on the cosmic-average IMF. We show a forecast for the Nancy Grace Roman Space Telescope supernova survey that will provide significantly strong constraints on the IMF slope with δ α ≃ 0.5 over z = 0–2. Moreover, as for an independent IMF probe instead of (1), we suggest to use diffuse supernovae neutrino background (DSNB), relic neutrinos from CCSNe. We expect that the Hyper-Kamiokande neutrino observations over 20 yr will improve the constraints on the IMF slope and the redshift evolution significantly better than those obtained today, if the systematic uncertainties of DSNB production physics are reduced in the future numerical simulations.

Neutrino magnetohydrodynamic instabilities in presence of two-flavor oscillations

The influence of neutrino flavor oscillations on the propagation of magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) waves and instabilities is studied in neutrino-beam driven magnetoplasmas. Using the neutrino MHD model, a general dispersion relation is derived which manifests the resonant interactions of MHD waves, not only with the neutrino beam, but also with the neutrino flavor oscillations. It is found that the latter contribute to the wave dispersion and enhance the magnitude of the instability of oblique magnetosonic waves. However, the shear-Alfvén wave remains unaffected by the neutrino beam and neutrino flavor oscillations. Such an enhancement of the magnitude of the instability of magnetosonic waves can be significant for relatively long-wavelength perturbations in the regimes of high neutrino number density and/or strong magnetic field, giving a convincing mechanism for type-II core-collapse supernova explosion.