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The shocking development of lithium (and boron) in supernovae

Authors :
Dearborn, David S. P
Schramm, David N
Steigman, Gary
Truran, James
Source :
Astrophysical Journal, Part 1. 347
Publication Year :
1989
Publisher :
United States: NASA Center for Aerospace Information (CASI), 1989.

Abstract

It is shown that significant amounts of Li-7 and B-11 are produced in Type 2 supernovae. The synthesis of these rare elements occurs as the supernova shock traverses the base of the hydrogen envelope burning He-3 to masses 7 and 11 via alpha capture. The yields in this process are sufficient to account for the difference in lithium abundance observed between Pop 2 and Pop 1 stars. Since lithium (and boron) would, in this manner, be created in the same stars that produce the bulk of the heavy elements, the lithium abundance even in old Pop 1 stars would be high (as observed). The B-11 production may remedy the long-standing problem of the traditional spallation scenario to account for the observed isotopic ratio of boron. Observational consequences of this mechanism are discussed, including the evolution of lithium and boron isotope ratios in the Galaxy and the possible use of the boron yields to constrain the number of blue progenitor Type 2 supernovae.

Subjects

Subjects :
Astrophysics

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
0004637X
Volume :
347
Database :
NASA Technical Reports
Journal :
Astrophysical Journal, Part 1
Notes :
NSF AST-85-15447, , NAGW-1321
Publication Type :
Report
Accession number :
edsnas.19900030588
Document Type :
Report
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1086/168133