Computer Science
Scientific paper
Aug 2000
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2000noao.prop..253s&link_type=abstract
NOAO Proposal ID #2000B-0253
Computer Science
Scientific paper
The peak brightness measurements of Type Ia supernovae indicate that the Hubble expansion is in acceleration and has somehow overcome the expected deceleration due to gravity. Even though this fits nicely with the predictions from the theoretical cosmologists' favorite flat universe, this rather extraordinary claim needs rigorous observational testing . The chief alternative explanations are intergalactic dust absorption and intrinsic changes in the luminosity of distant supernovae due to evolutionary effects. This semester we are proposing to test the generic predictions of chemical composition models and the specific predictions of dust models through very wide wavelength coverage (restframe BVRI) and detailed high signal-to-noise spectra of 7 type Ia supernovae near z=0.5. A sample at z=0.5 is well suited to test both the dust and the evolution hypothesis while providing enough signal for a detailed spectral studies. This proposal asks for CTIO time, in parallel with a request CFHT time sent to the Hawaii TAC, to find the supernovae for HST, VLT, MMT, ARC, and Keck follow-up. We request time on Gemini N to obtain critical J band frames of our sample to test whether the secondary peak feature found in nearby ``normal'' SNeIa in restframe I also is evident in the z=0.5 sample, a necessary condition for use as distance indicators. Finally we also ask for time on the 1.5m to obtain the critical ground-based photometric calibrations to place the rather dubious HST photometric system on an accurate zero- point.
High-Z Supernova Search Team
Schmidt Brian
Suntzeff Nicholas B.
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