What characteristic defines a 'failed supernova' scenario in massive star collapse?
Answer
The core collapse is so complete that the star never produces a visible outward shock wave.
A failed supernova represents a less energetic or incomplete outcome of a core-collapse event. In this scenario, although the iron core forms and collapses, the subsequent process—specifically, the revival and propagation of a powerful outward shock wave—does not occur successfully. This can happen if the mechanisms necessary for shock revival, such as effective neutrino heating, fail to overcome the immense gravitational infall. Consequently, the star collapses completely, often forming a black hole, but does so without the brilliant, observable outward explosion that characterizes a standard supernova, resulting in a relatively silent demise.
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