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| Paper: |
The Eta Carinae Analogs |
| Volume: |
332, The Fate of the Most Massive Stars |
| Page: |
47 |
| Authors: |
Van Dyk, S. |
| Abstract: |
The most massive stars possible in the Universe have been theoretically linked to the amazing gamma-ray burst sources, to black hole formation, and, most importantly, to the initial, rapid seeding of heavy elements during the early phases of galaxy formation and evolution through, possibly, pair instability supernovae (SNe). Yet, the actual ultimate fate of these stars is still not well understood. The star η Carinae demonstrates that very massive stars can go through extraordinary eruptive mass ejection episodes before the end of their lives. Yet, other examples of such stars in the Galaxy are quite rare. Evidence is accumulating that some extragalactic Type IIn supernovae are not genuine supernovae at all, but appear to be pre-SN cataclysmic events of very massive stars, analogous to η Car. Similarly to η Car, the star is believed to survive the eruptive super-outburst. Here I will briefly review the nature of the various example objects, their survivors, and their precursor stars. |
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