The most powerful explosions in the Universe: genesis and evolution of Supernova and Gamma-Ray Burst Italian programs at ESO

TL;DR

This paper reviews Italian contributions to understanding the most powerful cosmic explosions, focusing on supernovae and gamma-ray bursts, highlighting collaborative efforts, technological advancements, and key discoveries in the field.

Contribution

It presents a comprehensive overview of Italian programs at ESO that advanced observational techniques and fostered collaboration in supernova and GRB research.

Findings

Significant discoveries in thermonuclear and core-collapse supernovae

Advancements in observational techniques and instrument performance

Enhanced understanding of the link between supernovae and GRBs

Abstract

The Italian communities engaged in Gamma-Ray Burst (GRB) and supernova research have been using actively the ESO telescopes and have contributed to improve and refine the observing techniques and even to guide the characteristics and performances of the instruments that were developed. Members of these two communities have recently found ground for a close collaboration on the powerful supernovae that underlie some GRBs. I will review the programs that have led to some important discoveries and milestones on thermonuclear and core-collapse supernovae and on GRBs.