paper

Asphericity in Supernova Explosions from Late-Time Spectroscopy

arXiv:0801.1100 · doi:10.1126/science.1149437

Abstract

Core-collapse supernovae (CC-SNe) are the explosions that announce the death of massive stars. Some CC-SNe are linked to long-duration gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) and are highly aspherical. One important question is to what extent asphericity is common to all CC-SNe. Here we present late-time spectra for a number of CC-SNe from stripped-envelope stars, and use them to explore any asphericity generated in the inner part of the exploding star, near the site of collapse. A range of oxygen emission-line profiles is observed, including a high incidence of double-peaked profiles, a distinct signature of an aspherical explosion. Our results suggest that all CC-SNe from stripped-envelope stars are aspherical explosions and that SNe accompanied by GRBs exhibit the highest degree of asphericity.

Science 319, 1220 (2008) (29 February 2008 issue). Submitted on 20 August 2007, accepted on 17 January 2008. The resolution of SOM Figure 1 is lower than the original. Includes Supporting Online Material (SOM), 21 pages, 3 figures, 1 table, and 2 SOM figures and 1 SOM table

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