Uncertainties in supernova input rates drive qualitative differences in simulations of galaxy evolution

Understand

Feedback from core collapse supernovae (SNe), the final stage of evolution of massive stars, is a key element in galaxy formation theory.

• The energy budget of SN feedback, as well as the duration over which SNe occur, are constrained by stellar lifetime models and the minimum mass star that ends its life as a SN.
• Simplifying approximations for this SN rate are ubiquitous in simulation studies.
• We show here how the choice of SN budget and timings ($t_0$ for the delay between star formation and the first SN, $\tau_{\rm SN}$ for the duration of SN injection, and the minimum SN progenitor mass) drive changes in the regulation of star formation and outflow launching.