Source of Energy and pre-explosion progenitor evolution of Super-luminous Supernovae

We propose an in-depth study of 1 Super-Luminous Supernova (SLSN). SLSN are >10 times more luminous than ordinary SN and represent the deaths of the most massive stars in our Universe. Their extreme luminosity requires exotic explosion mechanisms and sources of energy whose nature is unclear. Here we propose a continuation of our successful Chandra program to map their X-ray emission down to unprecedented limits as part of our multi-wavelength effort (UV, optical/NIR, radio, hard X-rays). The final goal is to: (i) Pin down the energy source of SLSN; (ii) Map the diversity of the pre-explosion evolution of their progenitors. (iii) Constrain their possible association with Gamma-Ray Bursts. Our study opens a new window of investigation on the physics of the most powerful stellar explosions