Evidence for a Supernova Associated with the X-ray Flash 020903

Details Evidence for a Supernova Associated with the X-ray Flash 020903 Evidence for a Supernova Associated with the X-ray Flash 020903

2006-02-07

arxiv.org/abs/astro-ph/0602163v1

Astrophys.J.643:284-291,2006

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

ApJ, in press. Paper with full resolution figures available at http://www-int.stsci.edu/~bersier/grb020903.pdf

Scientific paper

10.1086/502640

We present ground-based and Hubble Space Telescope optical observations of the X-ray flash (XRF) 020903, covering 300 days. The afterglow showed a very rapid rise in the first day, followed by a relatively slow decay in the next few days. There was a clear bump in the light curve after ~25 days, accompanied by a drastic change in the spectral energy distribution. The light curve and the spectral energy distribution are naturally interpreted as the emergence -- and subsequent decay -- of a supernova (SN), similar to SN 1998bw. At peak luminosity, the SN is estimated to be 0.8 +/- 0.1 mag fainter than SN1998bw. This argues in favor of the existence of a supernova associated with this X-ray flash. A spectrum obtained 35 days after the burst shows emission lines from the host galaxy. We use this spectrum to put an upper limit on the oxygen abundance of the host at [O/H] < -0.6 dex. We also discuss a possible trend between the softness of several bursts and the early behavior of the optical afterglow, in the sense that XRFs and X-ray rich GRBs seem to have a plateau phase or even a rising light curve. This can be naturally explained in models where XRFs are similar to GRBs but seen off the jet axis.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Evidence for a Supernova Associated with the X-ray Flash 020903 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 Evidence for a Supernova Associated with the X-ray Flash 020903, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Evidence for a Supernova Associated with the X-ray Flash 020903 will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-62720