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Spallation model for the titanium-rich supernova remnant cassiopeia A
Rachid Ouyed1, Denis Leahy, Amir Ouyed
1Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Calgary, 2500 University Drive NW, Calgary, Alberta T2N 1N4 Canada.
Physical Review Letters
|November 24, 2011
Summary
A novel model explains rare titanium-rich supernovae. A neutron star
Area of Science:
- * Astrophysics
- * Nuclear Astrophysics
- * Supernova Physics
Background:
- * Titanium-rich subluminous supernovae are rare and pose challenges to existing nucleosynthesis models.
- * Understanding the formation of these supernovae is crucial for refining astrophysical models.
Purpose of the Study:
- * To propose a new model explaining the formation of titanium-rich subluminous supernovae.
- * To investigate the role of neutron star explosions (quark novas) in supernova nucleosynthesis.
- * To reconcile the observed abundances and low luminosity of certain supernovae.
Main Methods:
- * Modeling the interaction between ejecta from a standard supernova and a subsequent neutron star explosion (quark nova).
- * Analyzing spallation reactions occurring due to the impact of the second explosion.
- * Performing basic calculations of spallation products and their abundances.
Main Results:
- * The proposed model, involving a quark nova impacting supernova ejecta, can explain titanium-rich supernovae.
- * A delay of approximately 5 days between the two explosions is calculated to reproduce the observed abundance of Titanium-44 (44Ti) in Cassiopeia A (Cas A).
- * This model accounts for the destruction of Nickel-56 (56Ni), explaining the low luminosity of these supernovae.
Conclusions:
- * The model provides a viable explanation for titanium-rich subluminous supernovae.
- * The findings have significant implications for understanding the light curves of both subluminous and superluminous supernovae.
- * This research advances the understanding of nucleosynthesis processes in extreme astrophysical events.
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