The Collapsar Model: What Do We Know?

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In summary, the Collapsar Model is a theoretical model that explains the formation of gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) by proposing that they are caused by the collapse of a massive star into a black hole. It was first proposed in the early 1990s by researchers Stan Woosley and Chris Fryer, and is supported by evidence such as observations of GRBs occurring in regions where massive stars form and simulations showing consistent energy release. However, there are still some challenges and limitations, such as understanding the exact mechanism of the gamma ray jet and the conditions for a collapsar to form. Overall, the Collapsar Model has greatly contributed to our understanding of the universe and has led to further research in astrophysics.
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taylordnz
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ive just read about it in the astronomy magazine but does anyone know more in depth about it?
 
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Collapsar Model

Looks pretty sound to me.
http://www.aas.org/publications/baas/v34n2/aas200/414.htm

The theory explains how those "high energy jets" seen in Hubble photos of collapsed stars function.
 
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The collapsar model explains the GRB like an explossion of a very massive star, a hypernova. The other explanation for GRB is the collission of two neutron stars
 

1. What is the Collapsar Model and how does it work?

The Collapsar Model is a theoretical model used to explain the formation of gamma-ray bursts (GRBs), which are some of the most energetic events in the universe. It suggests that GRBs are caused by the collapse of a massive star into a black hole, releasing a tremendous amount of energy in the form of a jet of gamma rays.

2. How was the Collapsar Model first proposed?

The Collapsar Model was first proposed in the early 1990s by researchers Stan Woosley and Chris Fryer. They were studying the collapse of massive stars and noticed that their simulations produced jets of energy similar to those observed in GRBs. This led them to propose the idea of a collapsar as the source of these powerful bursts.

3. What evidence supports the Collapsar Model?

There is a considerable amount of evidence that supports the Collapsar Model. For example, observations of GRBs have shown that they occur in regions of the universe where massive stars are known to form and that they are associated with supernova explosions. Additionally, simulations and observations have shown that the energy released in GRBs is consistent with the energy released in the collapse of a massive star.

4. Are there any challenges or limitations to the Collapsar Model?

While the Collapsar Model is widely accepted, there are still some challenges and limitations to consider. One of the main challenges is understanding the exact mechanism by which the jet of gamma rays is produced. Additionally, there is still some debate about the exact conditions required for a collapsar to form and produce a GRB.

5. How does the Collapsar Model contribute to our understanding of the universe?

The Collapsar Model has greatly contributed to our understanding of the universe by providing a plausible explanation for one of the most energetic and mysterious events in the cosmos. It has also led to further research and discoveries in the field of astrophysics, helping us to better understand the formation and evolution of massive stars and black holes.

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