Strange Supernova is ‘Missing Link’ in Gamma-Ray Burst Connection
In an ordinary core-collapse supernova with no “central engine,” ejected material expands outward nearly spherically, left. At right, a strong central engine propels jets of material at nearly the speed of light and generates a gamma-ray burst (GRB). The center panel shows an intermediate supernova like SN 2012ap, with a weak central engine, weak jets, and no GRB.
Credit: B. Saxton, NRAO/AUI/NSF
