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Hard radiation by young pulsars as the cause of supernovae optical emission

Journal Article · · Sov. Astron. AJ (Engl. Transl.); (United States)
OSTI ID:7265194
Since, according to observations, the masses of the envelopes of type I and II supernovae do not exceed 10/sup 33/ g, their optical thickness in the continuum after the maximum cannot be greater than unity. Therefore, the light curves of supernovae cannot be explained by the passage of a shock wave through the extended envelope of a red supergiant. It is suggested here that energy is pumped into the envelope by the x-ray emission of a young pulsar. A model of the source of this emission is constructed, and a drift of the frequency of the maximum in its spectral distribution follows. The light curves of supernovae of both types after the maximum must follow the power law L approximately t/sup -2/./sup 5/. The ionization of hydrogen (and possible helium) in the envelopes is due to a flux of relativistic protons generated by the young pulsar. There is apparently no fundamental difference between type I and II supernovae. Stars with mass only slightly exceeding the Sun's explode. 31 references.
Research Organization:
State Astronomical Inst., Moscow
OSTI ID:
7265194
Journal Information:
Sov. Astron. AJ (Engl. Transl.); (United States), Journal Name: Sov. Astron. AJ (Engl. Transl.); (United States) Vol. 19:5; ISSN SAAJA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English