Understand
This paper proposes a simple model for the 19th century eruption of Eta Carinae that consists of two components: (1) a strong wind (MdotM=0.33 Msun/yr; v=200 km/s), blowing for 30 years, followed by (2) a 1e50 erg explosion in 1844.
- The ensuing collision between the fast ejecta and the CSM causes an increase in brightness observed at the end of 1844, followed by a sustained high-luminosity phase lasting for 10-15 years that matches the historical light curve.
- The emergent luminosity is powered by CSM interaction, analogous to the process in luminous Type IIn supernovae, except with 10 times lower explosion energy and at slower speeds (causing a longer duration and lower emergent luminosity).
- Such an explosive event provides a natural explanation for the light curve evolution, but also accounts for a number of puzzling attributes of the Homunculus nebula: (1) rough equipartition of total radiated and kinetic energy, (2) the double-shell structure of the Homunculus, (3) the apparent single age and Hubble-like flow resulting from the thin swept-up shell, (4) the complex mottled appearance of the polar lobes in HST images, arising from Raleigh-Taylor or Vishniac instabilities, (5) efficient and rapid dust formation, as seen in Type IIn supernovae, and (6) the fast (5000 km/s) material outside the Homunculus, arising from the acceleration of the forward shock upon exiting the dense CSM.