arXiv · 2608.27468
Multimessenger Constraints on the Central Engine in SN 2023ixf: Neutron Star or Black Hole?
Abstract
The physical trigger of core-collapse supernova (CC-SNe) is a central theme in modern surveys of the transient Universe. A multi-messenger approach may provide a unique window to CC-SNe produced by a newly born neutron star (NS) or black hole (BH). Here we apply joint electromagnetic-gravitational wave (EM-GW) analysis to the nearby event SN 2023ixf using a model-independent broadband search with a GW-energy detection threshold of a few times $10^{-5} M_\odot c^2$ for chirps and $10^{-2}$ $M_\odot c^2$ for noise-like emission below 1\,kHz. No joint LIGO Hanford-Livingston (H1-L1) signal associated with SN 2023ixf is observed over a 2.5 day window proceeding the first discovery. Together with EM photometric-spectroscopic data, we interpret this null result to indicate the absence of BH formation, in part by mass-scaling of the BH powering GW170817B following GW170817. This multi-messenger outcome supports, hereby, scenarios consistent with NS formation, consistent with a progenitor mass likely below $\sim 20 M_\odot$ estimated by EM interpretations.
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Maryam Aghaei Abchouyeh, Maurice H. P. M. van Putten, Massimo Della Valle. 2026-08-04. Multimessenger Constraints on the Central Engine in SN 2023ixf: Neutron Star or Black Hole?. https://doi.org/10.3847/1538-4357%2Fae81a3
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