Model Atmospheres of the Progenitor Stars to Supernovae and Black Holes: Finally in 3D!

Introduction

Stars with masses many times that of our Sun are the direct progenitors to cosmic phenomena such as supernova explosions, black holes, and gravitational wave (GW) sources.

Challenges in Observations

Through electromagnetic observations, we obtain empirical information about such massive stars. However, decoding the radiation reaching us through our telescopes is a highly non-trivial exercise. To constrain fundamental properties like:

• Temperatures
• Radii
• Chemical abundances
• Mass loss

the observed radiation is fit by means of model stellar atmospheres.

Complexity of Massive Stars

Observations and theory show that the radiation-dominated atmospheres of massive stars are highly complex, multi-dimensional systems. However, although 3D model atmospheres of sun-like stars have already been on the market for a while, for hot, massive stars we still rely solely on results derived from inadequate 1D simulations.

This reliance severely limits our knowledge of the basic physics of massive stars and our capacity to correctly interpret observations. Consequently, this prevents progress in a large number of astronomical fields (e.g., black hole and GW progenitor models) that rely on a firm understanding of the massive-star life-cycle. The time is now ripe to change this.

Project Overview

Building on the unique expertise of the PI and his team, in a groundbreaking effort we will develop the very first 3D model atmospheres for hot, massive stars with winds.

Goals of SUPERSTARS-3D

SUPERSTARS-3D will fundamentally improve our physical understanding of massive stars and revolutionize the analysis and interpretation of their observed radiation. By further confronting our pioneering simulations directly with state-of-the-art observations, we will derive unprecedented constraints on evolution and end-of-life models.

Accessibility and Future Impact

We will develop all new models in an open-source fashion and make them easily accessible for a broad community. As such, SUPERSTARS-3D will also provide the critical cornerstone from which a large number of future scientific programs undoubtedly will be built.