The Atomic Physics Underlying the Spectroscopic Analysis of Massive Stars and Supernovae

Details The Atomic Physics Underlying the Spectroscopic Analysis of Massive Stars and Supernovae The Atomic Physics Underlying the Spectroscopic Analysis of Massive Stars and Supernovae

2011-01-27

arxiv.org/abs/1101.5372v1

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

High Energy Astrophysical Phenomena

8 pages, 2 figures, Accepted for publication in Astrophysics & Space Science

Scientific paper

We have developed a radiative transfer code, CMFGEN, which allows us to model the spectra of massive stars and supernovae. Using CMFGEN we can derive fundamental parameters such as effective temperatures and surface gravities, derive abundances, and place constraints on stellar wind properties. The last of these is important since all massive stars are losing mass via a stellar wind that is driven from the star by radiation pressure, and this mass loss can substantially influence the spectral appearance and evolution of the star. Recently we have extended CMFGEN to allow us to undertake time-dependent radiative transfer calculations of supernovae. Such calculations will be used to place constraints on the supernova progenitor, to place constraints on the supernova explosion and nucleosynthesis, and to derive distances using a physical approach called the "Expanding Photosphere Method". We describe the assumptions underlying the code and the atomic processes involved. A crucial ingredient in the code is the atomic data. For the modeling we require accurate transition wavelengths, oscillator strengths, photoionization cross-sections, collision strengths, autoionization rates, and charge exchange rates for virtually all species up to, and including, cobalt. Presently, the available atomic data varies substantially in both quantity and quality.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

The Atomic Physics Underlying the Spectroscopic Analysis of Massive Stars and Supernovae does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with The Atomic Physics Underlying the Spectroscopic Analysis of Massive Stars and Supernovae, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and The Atomic Physics Underlying the Spectroscopic Analysis of Massive Stars and Supernovae will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-546320