ESO sheds light on type II supernova

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SUMMARY

ESO's recent findings reveal that a significant percentage of type O stars possess companions, with many identified as 'vampiric' stars that siphon off their hydrogen. This discovery correlates with the observed phenomenon of hydrogen-poor supernovae, where approximately one-third of such supernovae exhibit minimal hydrogen content. The study suggests that these vampire stars could explain the origins of these hydrogen-deficient explosions. Additionally, the potential for hydrogen-stripped stars to be candidates for gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) raises concerns about the vulnerability of galaxies to such catastrophic events.

PREREQUISITES
  • Understanding of stellar evolution and types of stars, particularly type O stars.
  • Familiarity with supernova classifications and characteristics, especially hydrogen-poor supernovae.
  • Knowledge of gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) and their association with Wolf-Rayet stars.
  • Basic grasp of astrophysical phenomena related to radiation pressure and stellar companions.
NEXT STEPS
  • Research the characteristics and lifecycle of type O stars and their companions.
  • Explore the mechanisms behind hydrogen-poor supernovae and their implications for stellar evolution.
  • Investigate the relationship between Wolf-Rayet stars and gamma-ray bursts.
  • Study the potential impacts of rogue GRBs on galactic structures and star formation.
USEFUL FOR

Astronomers, astrophysicists, and students studying stellar dynamics, supernova phenomena, and gamma-ray bursts will benefit from this discussion.

Chronos
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ESO recently announced its finding that a surprisingly high percentage of type O stars have companions [http://www.eso.org/public/news/eso1230/] . An equally surprising high percentage have 'vampiric' companions that feed off them, which appears to answer at least one hitherto puzzling questions. From the press release -

"... The existence of this large number of vampire stars fits well with a previously unexplained phenomenon. Around a third of stars that explode as supernovae are observed to have surprisingly little hydrogen in them. However, the proportion of hydrogen-poor supernovae closely matches the proportion of vampire stars found by this study. ..."

What ESO neglected to mention is a massive, hydrogen stripped star could be a GRB candidate. This is a bit unsettling as it implies no galaxy is necessarily immune to a rogue GRB.
 
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Interesting. Why is it unsettling for galaxies not to be immune to a rogue GRB?
 
Long GRB's are thought most likely to be the product of Wolf-Rayet stars that have shed their hydrogen via radiation prossure. This finding appears to provide an alternative evolutionary path.
 

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