Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics – Galaxy Astrophysics
Scientific paper
2012-02-14
Astrophys. J., 748:L11 (5pp), 2012
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
Galaxy Astrophysics
6 pages, 3 figures, emulateapj style, accepted for publication in ApJ Letters
Scientific paper
10.1088/2041-8205/748/1/L11
We present high-resolution echelle observations of SN 2011dh, which exploded in the nearby, nearly face-on spiral galaxy M51. Our data, acquired on three nights when the supernova was near maximum brightness, reveal multiple absorption components in Na I D and Ca II H and K, which we identify with gaseous material in the Galactic disk or low halo and in the disk and halo of M51. The M51 components span a velocity range of over 140 km s^-1, extending well beyond the range exhibited by H I 21 cm emission at the position of the supernova. Since none of the prominent Na I or Ca II components appear to coincide with the peak in H I emission, the supernova may lie just in front of the bulk of the H I disk. The Na I/Ca II ratios for the components with the most extreme positive and negative velocities relative to the disk are ~1.0, similar to those for more quiescent components, suggesting that the absorption originates in relatively cool gas. Production scenarios involving a galactic fountain and/or tidal interactions between M51 and its companion would be consistent with these results. The overall weakness of Na I D absorption in the direction of SN 2011dh confirms a low foreground and host galaxy extinction for the supernova.
Ritchey Adam M.
Wallerstein George
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