Fossil Records of Star Formation: Supernova Neutrinos and Gamma Rays
John Beacom, Ohio State University
The cosmic stellar birth rate can be measured by standard
astronomical techniques. It can also be probed via the cosmic
stellar death rate, though until recently, this was much less
precise. However, recent results based on measured supernova
rates, and importantly, also on the attendant diffuse fluxes
of neutrinos and gamma rays, have become competitive, and a
concordant history of stellar birth and death is emerging.
These new probes of the star formation history will also
provide unique constraints on the physics of core-collapse
and type Ia supernovae.