The Light Curve of the Unusual Supernova SN 2003dh

Abstract

SN 2003dh, one of the most luminous supernovae ever recorded, and the one with the highest measured velocities, accompanied gamma-ray burst 030329. Its rapid rise to maximum and equally rapid decline pose problems for any spherically symmetric model. We model the supernova here as a very energetic, polar explosion that left the equatorial portions of the star almost intact. The total progenitor mass was much greater than the mass of high-velocity ejecta, and the total mass of 56-Ni synthesized was about 0.5 solar masses. Such asymmetries and nickel masses are expected in the collapsar model. A ``composite two-dimensional'' model is calculated that agrees well with the characteristics of the observed light curve. The mass of 56-Ni required for this light curve is 0.55 solar masses and the total explosion energy, 26 x 10**51 erg.