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NASA NTRS1994

Analysis of the early spectra and light curve of SN 1987A

Numerical modeling of supernova spectra, light curves, and hydrodynamics requires physical inputs, numerical techniques, approximations, and assumptions which must be thoroughly understood in order to study the details of supernova explosions. Here, we discuss some of these in the context of the early evolution of supernova 1987A. Gray radiation-hydrodynamics is used to calculate the bolometric light curve and the hydrodynamic evolution of the supernova. Synthetic spectra are then obtained for the resulting density and velocity structure. The spectrum calculations are performed using a special-relativistic treatment of the radiative transfer equation in the comoving frame, line blanketing by about 10(exp 5) spectral lines, and departures from local thermodynamic equilibrium (LTE) for H I, He I, Mg II, and Ca II. We find that we are able to simultaneously fit the early light curve and spectra reasonably well, using a progenitor model from Arnett (1991a), without fine-tuning the free parameters. Temperature structures and radiative equilibrium, non-LTE effects, homologous expansion, and mean opacities are discussed.

Hauschildt, Peter H.↗
NASA NTRS2014

Slow-Speed Supernovae from the Palomar Transient Factory: Two Channels

Since the discovery of the unusual prototype SN 2002cx, the eponymous class of low-velocity, hydrogen-poor supernovae has grown to include at most another two dozen members identified from several heterogeneous surveys, in some cases ambiguously. Here we present the results of a systematic study of 1077 hydrogen-poor supernovae discovered by the Palomar Transient Factory, leading to nine new members of this peculiar class. Moreover we find there are two distinct subclasses based on their spectroscopic, photometric, and host galaxy properties: The "SN 2002cx-like" supernovae tend to be in later-type or more irregular hosts, have more varied and generally dimmer luminosities, have longer rise times, and lack a Ti II trough when compared to the \SN 2002es-like" supernovae. None of our objects show helium, and we counter a previous claim of two such events. We also find that these transients comprise 5.6+17 -3:7% (90% confidence) of all SNe Ia, lower compared to earlier estimates. Combining our objects with the literature sample, we propose that these subclasses have two distinct physical origins.

palomar↗
NASA NTRS1991

Observing SN 1987A with the International Ultraviolet Explorer

The International Ultraviolet Explorer (IUE) satellite played a leading role in elucidating the nature of SN 1987A, providing a unique ultraviolet perspective on the brightest supernova since 1604. IUE observations of SN 1987A began promptly after discovery and were frequent through 1988 and 1989, using the FES (Fine Error Sensor) for photometry, low dispersion spectra for the supernova spectrum, high dispersion observations for the interstellar medium when the supernova was bright, and for circumstellar gas surrounding the supernova as the initial event faded. The UV data were especially useful in determining which star exploded, assessing the ionizing pulse produced as the shock hit the surface of the star, and in constraining the stellar evolution that preceded the explosion through observation of a circumstellar shell.

Kirshner, Robert P.↗
NASA NTRS1996

Analysis of IUE Observations of Supernovae

This program supported the analysis of IUE observations of supernovae. One aspect was a Target-of-Opportunity program to observe bright supernovae which was applied to SN 1993J in M81, and another was continuing analysis of the IUE data from SN 1987A. Because of its quick response time, the IUE satellite has continued to provide useful data on the ultraviolet spectra of supernovae. Even after the launch of the Hubble Space Telescope, which has much more powerful ultraviolet spectrometers, the IUE has enabled us to obtain early and frequent measurements of ultraviolet radiation: this information has been folded in with our HST data to create unique observations of supernova which can be interpreted to give powerful constraints on the physical properties of the exploding stars. Our chief result in the present grant period was the completion of a detailed reanalysis of the data on the circumstellar shell of SN 1987A. The presence of narrow high-temperature mission lines from nitrogen-rich gas close to SN 1987A has been the principal observational constraint on the evolution of the supernova's progenitor. Our new analysis shows that the onset of these lines, their rise to maximum, and their subsequent fading can be understood in the context of a model for the photoionization of circumstellar matter.

Kirshner, Robert P.↗
NASA NTRS2008

Swift Observations of Supernovae during and after Shock Breakout

Over the past few years, space-based observatories have allowed detailed studies of energetic supernova explosions in previously unexplored time domains and wavelength regimes. NASA's Swift observatory is playing an important role in probing the early emission of SNe during and after shock breakout due to its fast response, flexible scheduling capabilities, and large wavelength band coverage, ranging from the optical, W, and X-ray to the Gamma-ray bands. By studying the outgoing SN shocks with material in its surroundings, the explosion physics and nature of progenitor stars can be studied. Furthermore, monitoring the X-ray emission of SNe with space-based X-ray observatories is being used to map the density structure in SN environments out to large radii from the sites of the explosions (>E20 cm), the transition of a SN into an old supernova remnant can be studied, and the mass-loss rates of the progenitor stars are being probed over significant timescales (>E4 years) in the stellar wind history. In combination, these observations give unprecedented insights into the nature of energetic explosions and their environments. During this talk, I will present highlights from recent observations, among them the first observation of a SN DURING the actual explosion with Swift, and I will discuss the "naked eye" burst at a redshift of -1, which was the most distant object humans could ever see with their own eyes.

Immler, Stefan↗
NASA NTRS2001

Supernova 1998bw In ESO 184-G82

Over the wavelength range 390-750 nm, we measure intrinsic linear polarization of 0.53 +/- 0.08 percent at position angle 49 +/- 3 deg, after correcting for Galactic interstellar polarization using the star HD 184100, which has polarization of 0.75 +/- 0.01 percent at p.a. 176.5 +/- 2.5 deg. This measured interstellar polarization is consistent with the Galactic extinction in this direction, estimated to be E(B-V) = 0.059 from IRAS maps, or E(B-V) = 0.079 from 21-cm H I. Interstellar polarization in the host galaxy ESO 184-G82 is expected to be negligible based on the relative absence of Na I D absorption at z = 0.00841 +/- 0.00005, the redshift of the environment of the supernova from narrow H II region emission lines in its spectrum. Polarization appears highest in between emission features in the total flux spectrum, which strengthens the interpretation of the polarization as intrinsic to the supernova. This modest polarization is less than that of some type-II supernovae, but greater than that of type-Ia supernovae, which are generally unpolarized. This supports the interpretation of SN 1998bw, a peculiar type-Ic supernova, as a core-collapse event in which the observed polarization is due to moderate asymmetry in either the photosphere of the ejecta or an overlying scattering envelope. However, this result does not strongly constrain arguments about whether some supernovae emit gamma-ray bursts, since such emission may come from a mildly relativistic shock associated with the radio emission and above the optical photosphere, without any requirements on beaming or orientation." A. V. Filippenko, University of California at Berkeley, comments on the total flux spectrum obtained above: "The spectrum most closely resembles those of the peculiar SN 1997ef, but perhaps evolving more slowly. It is not typical of type-Ic supernovae; indeed, the spectrum does not match any of the known spectral classes, but perhaps 'peculiar type Ic' is the best choice at this time. The object appears to be starting a transition to the nebular phase, but identifications of the broad emission features are uncertain. The feature at 650 nm is probably [Fe III], as is the one at 455 nm (perhaps with some contribution from Mg I]). That at 590 nm may be a mixture of [Co III] and Na D. The strongest feature, at 545 nm, may consist of Fe, Co, and Ti lines."

Kay, L. E.↗
NASA NTRS2016

Optical and Near-Infrared Observations of SN 2013DX Associated with GRB 130702A

We present optical and near-infrared (NIR) light curves and optical spectra of SN 2013dx, associated with the nearby (redshift 0.145) gamma-ray burst GRB 130702A. The prompt isotropic gamma-ray energy released from GRB 130702A is measured to be E(sub gamma, iso) = 6.4(+1.3/-1.0) x 10(exp 50) erg (1 keV to 10 MeV in the rest frame), placing it intermediate between low-luminosity GRBs like GRB 980425/SN 1998bw and the broader cosmological population. We compare the observed g'r'i'z' light curves of SN 2013dx to a SN 1998bw template, finding that SN 2013dx evolves approx. 20% faster (steeper rise time), with a comparable peak luminosity. Spectroscopically, SN 2013dx resembles other broad-lined SNe Ic, both associated with (SN 2006aj and SN 1998bw) and lacking (SN 1997ef, SN 2007I, and SN 2010ah) gamma-ray emission, with photospheric velocities around peak of approx. 21,000 km/s. We construct a quasi-bolometric (g'r'z'yJ) light curve for SN 2013dx, only the fifth GRB-associated SN with extensive NIR coverage and the third with a bolometric light curve extending beyond (Delta)t > 40 days. Together with the measured photospheric velocity, we derive basic explosion parameters using simple analytic models. We infer a Ni-56 mass of M(sub Ni) = 0.37+/- 0.01 Stellar Mass, an ejecta mass of M(sub ej) = 3.1+/- 0.1 Stellar Mass, and a kinetic energy of E(sub K) = (8.2+/- 0.43) x 10(exp 51) erg (statistical uncertainties only), consistent with previous GRB-associated supernovae. When considering the ensemble population of GRB-associated supernovae, we find no correlation between the mass of synthesized Ni-56 and high-energy properties, despite clear predictions from numerical simulations that M(sub Ni) should correlate with the degree of asymmetry. On the other hand, M(sub Ni) clearly correlates with the kinetic energy of the supernova ejecta across a wide range of core-collapse events.

gamma-ray burst: individual (GRB 130702A) – supe↗
NASA NTRS2011

SN 2010ay is a Luminous and Broad-lined Type Ic Supernova within a Low-metallicity Host Galaxy

We report on our serendipitous pre-discovery detection and detailed follow-up of the broad-lined Type Ic supernova SN2010ay at z approx 0.067 imaged by the Pan-STARRS1 3pi survey just approx 4 days after explosion. Combining our photometric observations with those available in the literature, we estimate the explosion date and the peak luminosity of the SN, M(sub R) approximately equals 20.2 mag, significantly brighter than known GRB-SNe and one of the most luminous SNe Ibc ever discovered. We measure the photospheric expansion velocity of the explosion from our spectroscopic follow-up observations, v(sub ph) approximately equals 19.2 X 10 (exp 3) km/s at approx 40 days after explosion. In comparison with other broad-lined SNe, the characteristic velocity of SN2010ay is 2 - 5 X higher and similar to the measurements for GRB-SNe at comparable epochs. Moreover the velocity declines two times slower than other SNe Ic-BL and GRB-SNe. Assuming that the optical emission is powered by radioactive decay, the peak magnitude implies the synthesis of an unusually large mass of Ni-56, M(sub Ni) = 0.9(+0.1/-0.1) solar mass. Our modeling of the light-curve points to a total ejecta mass, M(sub ej) approx 4.7 Solar Mass, and total kinetic energy, E(sub K,51) approximately equals 11. Thus the ratio of M(sub Ni) to M(sub ej) is at least twice as large for SN2010ay than in GRB-SNe and may indicate an additional energy reservoir. We also measure the metallicity (log(O/H) + 12 = 8.19) of the explosion site within the host galaxy using a high S/N optical spectrum. Our abundance measurement places this SN in the low-metallicity regime populated by GRB-SNe, and approx 0.2(0.5) dex lower than that typically measured for the host environments of normal (broad-lined) Ic supernovae. Despite striking similarities to the recent GRB-SN100316D/2010bh, we show that gamma-ray observations rule out an associated GRB with E(sub gamma) approx < 6 X 10(exp 48) erg (25-150 keV). Similarly, our deep radio follow-up observations with the Expanded Very Large Array rule out relativistic ejecta with energy, E approx > 10(exp 48) erg. These observations challenge the importance of progenitor metallicity for the production of a GRB, and suggest that other parameters also play a key role.

Sanders, N. E.↗
NASA NTRS1989

The great supernova of 1987

Several aspects of the SN 1987A that are of special interest are examined. These include the evolution of the presupernova star, its early-stage composition and core structure, and the reason for its blue color; the iron core mass of SN 1987A, the explosion mechanism, and certain aspects of the neutrino burst; and the detailed isotopic composition of the ejecta; the light curve and the requirement for mixing; and the expected continued evolution of the supernova. Particular attention is given to the optical pulsations (at 1968.629 Hz) from SN 1987A and to the possible mechanism for the formation of this pulsar.

Woosley, S. E.↗
NASA NTRS2019

Evidence for Late-stage Eruptive Mass Loss in the Progenitor to SN2018gep, a Broad-lined Ic Supernova: Pre-explosion Emission and a Rapidly Rising Luminous Transient

We present detailed observations of ZTF18abukavn (SN2018gep), discovered in high-cadence data from the Zwicky Transient Facility as a rapidly rising (1.4 ± 0.1 mag/hr) and luminous (M(g,peak) = -20 mag) transient. It is spectroscopically classified as a broad-lined stripped-envelope supernova (Ic-BL SN). The high peak luminosity (L(bol) ≳ 3 x 10^(44) erg/s), the short rise time (t = 3 days rise in g band), and the blue colors at peak (g–r ~ -0.4) all resemble the high-redshift Ic-BL iPTF16asu, as well as several other unclassified fast transients. The early discovery of SN2018gep (within an hour of shock breakout) enabled an intensive spectroscopic campaign, including the highest-temperature (T(eff) ≳ 40,000 K) spectra of a stripped-envelope SN. A retrospective search revealed luminous (M(g) ~ M(r) ≈ -14 mag) emission in the days to weeks before explosion, the first definitive detection of precursor emission for a Ic-BL. We find a limit on the isotropic gamma-ray energy release E(γ,iso) < 4.9 x 10^(48) erg, a limit on X-ray emission L(X) < 10^(40) erg/s, and a limit on radio emission vL(v) ≲ 10^(37) erg/s. Taken together, we find that the early (<10 days) data are best explained by shock breakout in a massive shell of dense circumstellar material (0.02 Mꙩ) at large radii (3 x 10^(14) cm) that was ejected in eruptive pre-explosion mass-loss episodes. The late-time (>10 days) light curve requires an additional energy source, which could be the radioactive decay of Ni-56.

Anna Y. Q. Ho↗
NASA NTRS1994

The peculiar type II supernova 1993J in M81: Transition to the nebular phase

We present optical spectra of the bright, peculiar Type II supernova 1993J in M81 spanning the first 14 months of its existence, revealing its transition to the nebular phase. Unlike the case in normal Type II supernovae, during the first 2-10 months the H-alpha emission line gradually becomes less prominent relative to other features such as (O I) lambda lambda 6300, 6364 and (Ca II) lambda lambda 7291, 7324, as we had predicted based on early-time (tau less than or approximately equal to 2 months) spectra. The nebular spectrum resembles those of the Type Ib/Ic supernovae 1985F and 1987M, although weak H-alpha emission is easily visible even at late times in SN 1993J. At tau = 8 months a close similarity is found with the spectrum of SN 1987K, the only other Type II supernova known to have undergone such a metamorphosis. The emission lines are considerably broader than those of normal Type II supernovae at comparable phases, consistent with the progenitor having lost a majority of its hydrogen envelope prior to exploding. Consequently, there is now little doubt that Type Ib, and probably Type Ic, supernovae result from core collapse in stripped, massive stars; models of the chemical evolution of galaxies in which these subtypes are ascribed to exploding white dwarfs must be appropriately modified. Although all of the emission lines in spectra of SN 1993J fade roughly exponentially for a considerable time, the fading of H-alpha begins to slow down at tau approximately = 8 months, and in the interval tau = 10-14 months its flux is constant, or even slightly rising in the wings of the line. This behavior, together with the box-like shape and great breadth (full width at half maximum (FWHM) approximately = 17 000 km/s) of the line profile, suggests that the H-alpha emission is being produced by the high-velocity outer layer of hydrogen ejecta interacting with circumstellar gas released by the progenitor prior to its explosion. A similar phenomenon has previously been seen at later phases in several Type II supernovae, most notably SN 1980K. Bumps (FWHM approximately = 1000 km/s, amplitude approximately = 20%) in the H-alpha profile are probably indicative of Rayleigh-Taylor instabilities in the cool gas behind the reverse shock. A very narrow component (unresolved, FWHM less than or approximately equal to 200 km/s) of H-alpha at the symmetric velocity of SN 1993J may instead be produced by a superposed H II region, or perhaps by recombination in a large circumstellar shell or ring that was ionized during the first few hours after outburst. In the near future the spectrum of SN 1993J should become increasingly dominated by broad H-alpha emission.

Filippenko, Alexei V.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Supernova and cosmic rays

A general overview of supernova astronomy is presented, followed by a discussion of the relationship between SN and galactic cosmic rays. Pre-supernova evolution is traced to core collapse, explosion, and mass ejection. The two types of SN light curves are discussed in terms of their causes, and the different nucleosynthetic processes inside SNs are reviewed. Physical events in SN remnants are discussed. The three main connections between cosmic rays and SNs, the energy requirement, the acceleration mechanism, and the detailed composition of CR, are detailed.

Wefel, J. P.↗
NASA NTRS1993

Supernova 1987A revisited

Updates on research on SN 1987A are provided, with emphasis on the aftermath of the explosion: the interpretation of the light curve and spectrum, the physics of the envelope, and the interaction of the supernova with its circumstellar envelope. UVOIR light curves, gamma rays and hard X-rays, and dust formation are examined, and explosion dynamics is explored. Attention is given to optical and IR spectrum development, with emphasis on the photospheric spectrum, nebular spectrum, ionization, emission-line profiles, line strengths, and iron, cobalt, and nickel. The circumstellar environment is discussed, with special reference to progenitor mass loss, circumstellar ring and nebulosity, radio emission, and soft X-rays.

Mccray, Richard↗
NASA NTRS2010

Disentangling the Origin and Heating Mechanism of Supernova Dust: Late-Time Spitzer Spectroscopy of the Type IIn SN 2005ip

This paper presents late-time near-infrared and Spitzer mid-infrared photometric and spectroscopic observations of warm dust in the Type IIn SN 2005ip in NGC 2906. The spectra show evidence for two dust components with different temperatures. Spanning the peak of the thermal emission, these observations provide strong constraints on the dust mass, temperature, and luminosity, which serve as critical diagnostics for disentangling the origin and heating mechanism of each component. The results suggest the warmer dust has a mass of approx. 5 x 10(exp -4) Solar Mass and originates from newly formed dust in the ejecta, continuously heated by the circumstellar interaction. By contrast, the cooler component likely originates from a circumstellar shock echo that forms from the heating of a large, pre-existing dust shell approx. 0.01 - 0.05 Solar Mass by the late-time circumstellar interaction. The progenitor wind velocity derived from the blue edge of the He I 1.083 micro P Cygni profile indicates a progenitor eruption likely formed this dust shell approx.100 years prior to the supernova explosion, which is consistent with a Luminous Blue Variable (LBV) progenitor star. Subject

Fox, Ori D.↗
NASA NTRS2008

The Young Massive Stellar Cluster Sandage-96 after the Explosion of SN 2004DJ in NGC 2403

The bright supernova 2004dj occurred within the young massive stellar cluster Sandage-96 in a spiral arm of NGC 2403, close to other star-forming complexes. New multi-wavelength observations obtained with several ground-based- and space telescopes are combined to study the radiation from Sandage-96 after SN 2004dj faded away. The late-time light curves show that Sandage-96 started to dominate the flux in the optical bands after September, 2006 (+800 days after explosion). The optical fluxes are equal to the pre-explosion ones, suggesting that Sandage-96 has survived the explosion without significant changes in its stellar population. An optical Keck-spectrum obtained at +900 days after explosion shows the dominant blue continuum from the cluster stars shortward of 6000 A as well as strong SN nebular emission lines redward. The integrated SED of the cluster has been extended into the UV-region by archival XMM-Newton and new Swift observations, and compared with theoretical models. The outer parts of the cluster have been resolved by HST allowing the construction of a color-magnitude diagram. The fitting of the cluster SED with theoretical isochrones results in two possible solutions with ages being 9+/-1 Myr and 30+/-10 Myr, depending on the assumed metallicity and the theoretical model family. The isochrone fitting of the color-magnitude diagram indicates that the outer part of the cluster consists of stars having an age dispersion of 16 < t < 63 Myr, which is similar to that of nearby field stars. This age discrepancy may be resolved by the hypothesis that the outskirt of Sandage-96 is contaminated by stars captured from the field during cluster formation. The young age of Sandage-96 and the comparison of its pre- and post-explosion SEDs suggest a progenitor mass of 15 < or equal to M(sub prog) < 25 Stellar Mass.

Vinko, J.↗