The Light Curve of the Unusual Supernova SN 2003dh


Abstract in English

SN 2003dh, one of the most luminous supernovae ever recorded, and the one with the highest measured velocities, accompanied gamma-ray burst 030329. Its rapid rise to maximum and equally rapid decline pose problems for any spherically symmetric model. We model the supernova here as a very energetic, polar explosion that left the equatorial portions of the star almost intact. The total progenitor mass was much greater than the mass of high-velocity ejecta, and the total mass of 56-Ni synthesized was about 0.5 solar masses. Such asymmetries and nickel masses are expected in the collapsar model. A ``composite two-dimensional model is calculated that agrees well with the characteristics of the observed light curve. The mass of 56-Ni required for this light curve is 0.55 solar masses and the total explosion energy, 26 x 10**51 erg.

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