Multiple shells in supernova 2023ixf support the jittering jets explosion mechanism (JJEM)

Abstract

Examining the photospheric time evolution of the core-collapse supernova (CCSN) SN 2023ixf from the literature, we identify two (possibly three) evolutionary time periods with constant expansion velocities, which we attribute to two (or three) ejecta shells. We find that several CCSN remnants have morphologies with two or more complete or partial shells, compatible with the presence of two (or three) photospheric shells during the photospheric phase of the explosion. Studies have attributed these CCSN remnants to the jittering-jet explosion mechanism (JJEM), which involves two or three energetic pairs of jets participating in the explosion. We, therefore, conclude that the structure of the photospheric shells of SN 2023ixf supports its explosion by the JJEM. This study adds to the accumulating evidence that the JJEM is the primary explosion mechanism of CCSNe.