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Induction of Supernova-like Explosions by Gamma-Ray Bursts in Close Binary Systems
The Astrophysical Journal
|February 26, 2000
Summary
A gamma-ray burst (GRB) could trigger a supernova in a nearby white dwarf companion, even light ones. This mechanism explains unusual supernovae linked to GRBs, though not GRB 980425.
Area of Science:
- Astrophysics
- Cosmic explosions
- Binary star systems
Background:
- Supernovae are stellar explosions crucial to cosmic evolution.
- Gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) are intense, brief flashes of high-energy radiation.
- White dwarfs are dense remnants of stars.
Purpose of the Study:
- To propose a novel mechanism for supernova explosions in binary systems.
- To explain unusual supernova appearances associated with GRBs.
- To investigate the role of GRBs in triggering stellar explosions.
Main Methods:
- Theoretical modeling of binary star interactions.
- Simulating the effects of gamma-ray bursts on white dwarf companions.
- Analyzing observational data of supernovae and GRBs.
Main Results:
- A GRB in one binary star can induce a supernova-like explosion in a white dwarf companion.
- This mechanism applies to lighter white dwarfs not explodable by accretion.
- The resulting supernovae may differ in appearance from typical Type I supernovae.
Conclusions:
- The proposed GRB-induced supernova mechanism offers a new perspective on stellar explosions.
- It potentially explains a subset of peculiar supernovae observed in conjunction with GRBs.
- The specific event GRB 980425 and SN 1998bw do not fit this model due to insufficient GRB energy.