The Physics of Core-Collapse Supernova Explosions

Abstract

Fresh insights and powerful numerical tools are revitalizing the theoretical exploration of the supernova mechanism. The realization that the protoneutron star is Rayleigh-Taylor unstable at various times and radii and, hence, that a multi-dimensional perspective is required is one agent of this revolution. However, a new physical understanding of the nature of explosions (even spherical explosions) that are driven by neutrino heating and that escape from deep within a gravitational potential well is also emerging. This, together with the new multi-dimensional approach, promises to establish a paradigm within which supernova explosions and their consequences can be studied in the future.