The supernova/gamma-ray burst/jet connection

Abstract

The observed association between supernovae and gamma-ray bursts represents a cornerstone in our understanding of the nature of gamma-ray bursts. The collapsar model provides a theoretical framework for this connection. A key element is the launch of a bi-polar jet (seen as a gamma-ray burst). The resulting hot cocoon disrupts the star while the 56Ni produced gives rise to radioactive heating of the ejecta, seen as a supernova. In this discussion paper I summarise the observational status of the supernova/gamma-ray burst connection in the context of the 'engine' picture of jet-driven supernovae and highlight SN 2012bz/GRB 120422A -- with its luminous supernova but intermediate high-energy luminosity -- as a possible transition object between low-luminosity and jet gamma-ray bursts. The jet channel for supernova explosions may provide new insight into supernova explosions in general.

11 pages, 4 figures, discussion paper for Royal Society Meeting on "New windows on transients across the universe", London 23-24 April 2012, eds. P. O'Brien, S. Smartt

References in corpus (8)

• The Supernova -- Gamma-Ray Burst Connection
• Physical Properties of Wolf-Rayet Stars
• Pre-Supernova Evolution of Massive Single and Binary Stars
• An optical supernova associated with the X-ray flash XRF 060218
• No supernovae associated with two long-duration gamma ray bursts
• An enigmatic long-lasting gamma-ray burst not accompanied by a bright supernova
• The optically unbiased GRB host (TOUGH) survey. I. Survey design and catalogs
• Spectroscopic evidence for SN 2010ma associated with GRB 101219B