Jet-Induced Explosions of Core Collapse Supernovae

We numerically studied the explosion of a supernova caused by supersonic jets present in its center. The jets are assumed to be generated by a magneto-rotational mechanism when a stellar core collapses into a neutron star. We simulated the process of the jet propagation through the star, jet breakthrough, and the ejection of the supernova envelope by the lateral shocks generated during jet propagation. The end result of the interaction is a highly nonspherical supernova explosion with two high-velocity jets of material moving in polar directions, and a slower moving, oblate, highly distorted ejecta containing most of the supernova material. The jet-induced explosion is entirely due to the action of the jets on the surrounding star and does not depend on neutrino transport or re-acceleration of a stalled shock. The jet mechanism can explain the observed high polarization of Type Ib,c and Type II supernovae, pulsar kicks, very high velocity material observed in supernova remnants, indications that radioactive material was carried to the hydrogen-rich layers in SN1987A, and some others observations that are very difficult or impossible to explain by the neutrino energy deposition mechanism. The breakout of the jet from a compact, hydrogen-deficient core may account for the gamma-ray bursts and radio outburst associated with SN 1998bw/GRB980425. Subject headings: supernovae: general; individual (SN 1998bw) − gamma rays: bursts − pulsars:general − ISM: jets and outflows