February 12, 2026 | 4:00pm - 5:00pm
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02/12/2026 16:00
02/12/2026 17:00
Princeton University Donald R. Hamilton Colloquium Series
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Topic: Supernova Explosion Theory: The Emergence of Insight from Complexity
Speakers: Adam Burrows, Princeton University
More: https://www.ias.edu/sns/events/princeton-university-donald-r-hamilton-colloquium-series-36
ABSTRACT: The theory of compact-object birth and core-collapse
supernovae is now entering a new and productive phase of rapid insight
into themechanism and systematics of explosion. The panoramic
perspective provided by the recent access to tens of state-of-the-art
3D core-collapse simulations taken to late times has revealed
potential correlations between supernova observables and physical
trends with progenitors. A productive dialogue is slowly emerging
between theorists and observers that promises to transform the study
of core-collapse supernova explosions and to inaugurate an new era of
physical characterization missing from the past. Models now explode
without artiface and theory is on the cusp of being able to make
quantitative predictions that seemed out of reach only a few years
ago. We have discovered correlations between explosion energy, neutron
star gravitational birth masses, the yields of the chemical elements,
debris morphologies, pulsar kicks, and neutrino and gravitational-wave
emissions. However, while I contend the core-collapse supernova
problem is in broad outline and qualitatively now solved, there is
much yet to do in supernova theory before it can robustly and
quantitatively explain the variety of supernova observations. I will
close with suggested paths forward to achieve this ultimate goal.
Jadwin Hall A-10
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