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Abstract
Over a decade ago, a group of supernova explosions with peak luminosities far exceeding (often by >100 times) those of normal events has been identified. These superluminous supernovae (SLSNe) have been a focus of intensive study. I review the accumulated observations and discuss the implications for the physics of these extreme explosions.
- ▪ SLSNe can be classified into hydrogen-poor (SLSNe-I) and hydrogen-rich (SLSNe-II) events.
- ▪ Combining photometric and spectroscopic analysis of samples of nearby SLSNe-I and lower-luminosity events, a threshold of mag at peak appears to separate SLSNe-I from the normal population.
- ▪ SLSN-I light curves can be quite complex, presenting both early bumps and late postpeak undulations.
- ▪ SLSNe-I spectroscopically evolve from an early hot photospheric phase with a blue continuum and weak absorption lines, through a cool photospheric phase resembling spectra of SNe Ic, and into the late nebular phase.
- ▪ SLSNe-II are not nearly as well studied, lacking information based on large-sample studies.