499 research outputs found
A Very Large Array Search for 5 GHz Radio Transients and Variables at Low Galactic Latitudes
We present the results of a 5 GHz survey with the Very Large Array (VLA) and the expanded VLA, designed to search for short-lived (≾1 day) transients and to characterize the variability of radio sources at milli-Jansky levels. A total sky area of 2.66 deg^2, spread over 141 fields at low Galactic latitudes (b≅6-8 deg), was observed 16 times with a cadence that was chosen to sample timescales of days, months, and years. Most of the data were reduced, analyzed, and searched for transients in near real-time. Interesting candidates were followed up using visible light telescopes (typical delays of 1-2 hr) and the X-ray Telescope on board the Swift satellite. The final processing of the data revealed a single possible transient with a peak flux density of f_ν≅2.4 mJy. This implies a transient's sky surface density of κ(f_ν > 1.8 mJy) = 0.039^(+0.13 +0.18)_(–0.032,–0.038) deg^(–2) (1σ, 2σ confidence errors). This areal density is roughly consistent with the sky surface density of transients from the Bower et al. survey extrapolated to 1.8 mJy. Our observed transient areal density is consistent with a neutron star's origin for these events. Furthermore, we use the data to measure the source variability on timescales of days to years, and we present the variability structure function of 5 GHz sources. The mean structure function shows a fast increase on ≈1 day timescale, followed by a slower increase on timescales of up to 10 days. On timescales between 10 and 60 days, the structure function is roughly constant. We find that ≳30% of the unresolved sources brighter than 1.8 mJy are variables at the >4σ confidence level, presumably mainly due to refractive scintillation
Far-Ultraviolet to Near-Infrared Spectroscopy of A Nearby Hydrogen Poor Superluminous Supernova Gaia16apd
We report the first maximum-light far-Ultraviolet to near-infrared spectra
(1000A - 1.62um, rest) of a H-poor superluminous supernova, Gaia16apd. At
z=0.1018, it is one of the closest and the UV brightest such events, with 17.4
(AB) magnitude in Swift UV band (1928A) at -11days pre-maximum. Assuming an
exponential form, we derived the rise time of 33days and the peak bolometric
luminosity of 3x10^{44}ergs^-1. At maximum light, the estimated photospheric
temperature and velocity are 17,000K and 14,000kms^-1 respectively. The
inferred radiative and kinetic energy are roughly 1x10^{51} and 2x10^{52}erg.
Gaia16apd is extremely UV luminous, emitting 50% of its total luminosity at
1000 - 2500A. Compared to the UV spectra (normalized at 3100A) of well studied
SN1992A (Ia), SN2011fe(Ia), SN1999em (IIP) and SN1993J (IIb), it has orders of
magnitude more far-UV emission. This excess is interpreted primarily as a
result of weaker metal line blanketing due to much lower abundance of
iron-group elements in the outer ejecta. Because these elements originate
either from the natal metallicity of the star, or have been newly produced, our
observation provides direct evidence that little of these freshly synthesized
material, including 56Ni, was mixed into the outer ejecta, and the progenitor
metallicity is likely sub-solar. This disfavors Pair-Instability Supernova
(PISN) models with Helium core masses >=90Msun, where substantial 56Ni material
is produced. Higher photospheric temperature of Gaia16apd than that of normal
SNe may also contribute to the observed far-UV excess. We find some indication
that UV luminous SLSNe-I like Gaia16apd could be common. Using the UV spectra,
we show that WFIRST could detect SLSNe-I out to redshift of 8.Comment: 19 pages. Match with the version accepted in Ap
Supernova PTF 09uj: A possible shock breakout from a dense circumstellar wind
Type-IIn supernovae (SNe), which are characterized by strong interaction of
their ejecta with the surrounding circumstellar matter (CSM), provide a unique
opportunity to study the mass-loss history of massive stars shortly before
their explosive death. We present the discovery and follow-up observations of a
Type IIn SN, PTF 09uj, detected by the Palomar Transient Factory (PTF).
Serendipitous observations by GALEX at ultraviolet (UV) wavelengths detected
the rise of the SN light curve prior to the PTF discovery. The UV light curve
of the SN rose fast, with a time scale of a few days, to a UV absolute AB
magnitude of about -19.5. Modeling our observations, we suggest that the fast
rise of the UV light curve is due to the breakout of the SN shock through the
dense CSM (n~10^10 cm^-3). Furthermore, we find that prior to the explosion the
progenitor went through a phase of high mass-loss rate (~0.1 solar mass per
year) that lasted for a few years. The decay rate of this SN was fast relative
to that of other SNe IIn.Comment: Accepted to Apj, 6 pages, 4 figure
On the progenitor of SN 2005gl and the nature of Type IIn supernovae
We present a study of the type IIn supernova (SN) 2005gl, in the relatively
nearby (d~66 Mpc) galaxy NGC 266. Photometry and spectroscopy of the SN
indicate it is a typical member of its class. Pre-explosion Hubble Space
Telescope (HST) imaging of the location of the SN, along with a precise
localization of this event using the Laser-Guide-Star assisted Adaptive Optics
(LGS-AO) system at Keck Observatory, are combined to identify a luminous
(M_V=-10.3) point source as the possible progenitor of SN 2005gl. If the source
is indeed a single star, it was likely a member of the class of luminous blue
variable stars (LBVs). This finding leads us to consider the possible general
association of SNe IIn with LBV progenitors. We find this is indeed supported
by observations of other SNe, and the known properties of LBV stars. For
example, we argue that should the prototypical Galactic LBV eta Carina explode
in a phase similar to its current state, it will likely produce a type IIn SN.
We discuss our findings in the context of current ideas about the evolution of
massive stars, and review the census of SNe with identified progenitors. We
introduce the concept of the progenitor-SN map as a convenient means to discuss
the present status and future prospects of direct searches for SN progenitors.
We conclude that this field has matured considerably in recent years, and the
transition from anecdotal information about rare single events to robust
associations of progenitor classes with specific SN types has already begun.Comment: Submitted to ApJ. Comments welcom
Spectral Models for Early Time SN 2011fe Observations
We use observed UV through near IR spectra to examine whether SN 2011fe can
be understood in the framework of Branch-normal SNe Ia and to examine its
individual peculiarities. As a benchmark, we use a delayed-detonation model
with a progenitor metallicity of Z_solar/20. We study the sensitivity of
features to variations in progenitor metallicity, the outer density profile,
and the distribution of radioactive nickel. The effect of metallicity
variations in the progenitor have a relatively small effect on the synthetic
spectra. We also find that the abundance stratification of SN 2011fe resembles
closely that of a delayed detonation model with a transition density that has
been fit to other Branch-normal Type Ia supernovae. At early times, the model
photosphere is formed in material with velocities that are too high, indicating
that the photosphere recedes too slowly or that SN 2011fe has a lower specific
energy in the outer ~0.1 M_sun than does the model. We discuss several
explanations for the discrepancies. Finally, we examine variations in both the
spectral energy distribution and in the colors due to variations in the
progenitor metallicity, which suggests that colors are only weak indicators for
the progenitor metallicity, in the particular explosion model that we have
studied. We do find that the flux in the U band is significantly higher at
maximum light in the solar metallicity model than in the lower metallicity
model and the lower metallicity model much better matches the observed
spectrum.Comment: 9 pages, 14 figures, MNRAS, in press, fixed typ
Interacting Supernovae: Types IIn and Ibn
Supernovae (SNe) that show evidence of strong shock interaction between their
ejecta and pre-existing, slower circumstellar material (CSM) constitute an
interesting, diverse, and still poorly understood category of explosive
transients. The chief reason that they are extremely interesting is because
they tell us that in a subset of stellar deaths, the progenitor star may become
wildly unstable in the years, decades, or centuries before explosion. This is
something that has not been included in standard stellar evolution models, but
may significantly change the end product and yield of that evolution, and
complicates our attempts to map SNe to their progenitors. Another reason they
are interesting is because CSM interaction is an efficient engine for making
bright transients, allowing super-luminous transients to arise from normal SN
explosion energies, and allowing transients of normal SN luminosities to arise
from sub-energetic explosions or low radioactivity yield. CSM interaction
shrouds the fast ejecta in bright shock emission, obscuring our normal view of
the underlying explosion, and the radiation hydrodynamics of the interaction is
challenging to model. The CSM interaction may also be highly non-spherical,
perhaps linked to binary interaction in the progenitor system. In some cases,
these complications make it difficult to definitively tell the difference
between a core-collapse or thermonuclear explosion, or to discern between a
non-terminal eruption, failed SN, or weak SN. Efforts to uncover the physical
parameters of individual events and connections to possible progenitor stars
make this a rapidly evolving topic that continues to challenge paradigms of
stellar evolution.Comment: Final draft of a chapter in the "SN Handbook". Accepted. 25 pages, 3
fig
An outburst from a massive star 40 days before a supernova explosion
Various lines of evidence suggest that very massive stars experience extreme
mass-loss episodes shortly before they explode as a supernova. Interestingly,
several models predict such pre-explosion outbursts. Establishing a causal
connection between these mass-loss episodes and the final supernova explosion
will provide a novel way to study pre-supernova massive-star evolution. Here we
report on observations of a remarkable mass-loss event detected 40 days prior
to the explosion of the Type IIn supernova SN 2010mc (PTF 10tel). Our
photometric and spectroscopic data suggest that this event is a result of an
energetic outburst, radiating at least 6x10^47 erg of energy, and releasing
about 0.01 Solar mass at typical velocities of 2000 km/s. We show that the
temporal proximity of the mass-loss outburst and the supernova explosion
implies a causal connection between them. Moreover, we find that the outburst
luminosity and velocity are consistent with the predictions of the wave-driven
pulsation model and disfavor alternative suggestions.Comment: Nature 494, 65, including supplementary informatio
Observed Consequences of Presupernova Instability in Very Massive Stars
This chapter concentrates on the deaths of very massive stars, the events
leading up to their deaths, and how mass loss affects the resulting death. The
previous three chapters emphasized the theory of wind mass loss, eruptions, and
core collapse physics, but here we emphasize mainly the observational
properties of the resulting death throes. Mass loss through winds, eruptions,
and interacting binaries largely determines the wide variety of different types
of supernovae that are observed, as well as the circumstellar environments into
which the supernova blast waves expand. Connecting these observed properties of
the explosions to the initial masses of their progenitor stars is, however, an
enduring challenge and is especially difficult for very massive stars.
Superluminous supernovae, pair instability supernovae, gamma ray bursts, and
"failed" supernovae are all end fates that have been proposed for very massive
stars, but the range of initial masses or other conditions leading to each of
these (if they actually occur) are still very certain. Extrapolating to infer
the role of very massive stars in the early universe is essentially
unencumbered by observational constraints and still quite dicey.Comment: 39 pages, 5 figures, to appear as chapter in the book "Very Massive
Stars in the Local Universe", ed. J. Vin
On the fraction of intermediate-mass close binaries that explode as type-Ia supernovae
Type-Ia supernovae (SNe-Ia) are thought to result from a thermonuclear
runaway in white dwarfs (WDs) that approach the Chandrasekhar limit, either
through accretion from a companion or a merger with another WD. I compile
observational estimates of the fraction eta of intermediate-mass stars that
eventually explode as SNe-Ia, supplement them with several new estimates, and
compare them self-consistently. The estimates are based on five different
methods, each utilising some observable related to the SN-Ia rate, combined
with assumptions regarding the IMF: the ratio of SN-Ia to core-collapse rates
in star-forming galaxies; the SN-Ia rate per unit star-formation rate; the
SN-Ia rate per unit stellar mass; the iron to stellar mass ratio in galaxy
clusters; and the abundance ratios in galaxy clusters. The five methods
indicate that a fraction in the range eta~2-40% of all stars with initial
masses of 3-8 M_sun (the generally assumed SN-Ia progenitors) explode as
SNe-Ia. A fraction of eta~15% is consistent with all five methods for a range
of plausible IMFs. Considering also the binarity fraction among such stars, the
mass ratio distribution, the separation distribution, and duplicity (every
binary can produce only one SN-Ia explosion), this implies that nearly every
intermediate mass close binary ends up as a SN-Ia, or possibly more SNe-Ia than
progenitor systems. Theoretically expected fractions are generally one to two
orders of magnitude lower. The problem could be solved: if all the
observational estimates are in error; or with a ``middle-heavy'' IMF; or by
some mechanism that strongly enhances the efficiency of binary evolution toward
SN-Ia explosion; or by a non-binary origin for SNe-Ia.Comment: MNRAS, accepted versio
- …