Infrared Study of Supernova Ejecta and Dust

Details Infrared Study of Supernova Ejecta and Dust Infrared Study of Supernova Ejecta and Dust

Jun 2005

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2005sptz.prop20256m&link_type=abstract

Spitzer Proposal ID #20256

Computer Science

Scientific paper

We propose to continue and to enhance our IRAC/IRS program aimed at gaining powerful new insights on the nature of supernova (SN) explosions and testing the hypothesis that SNe are major sources of cosmic dust. We would observe up to 17 SNe over a wide range of post-explosion epochs. Our first goal is to test SN explosion models by measuring the intensity and, where possible, the evolution of fine-structure (FS) lines and molecular features. By comparison with our spectral synthesis models we shall test explosion-model-sensitive predictions of abundances. Most of the FS lines arise from ground state transitions and so, in comparison with optical/near-IR spectra, are much less sensitive to temperature and density uncertainties. However they are only accessible in the mid-IR, and provide the most useful abundance measurements at late times when the ejecta are optically thin. Ground-based mid-IR observations at such late epochs are almost impossible. In GO1 we have already discovered an FS line of [CoIII] in a Type Ia SN. [AIII], [SIV] and [CoII] FS lines are probably also present. We have detected a strong [NiII] FS line and CO fundamental emission in a core-collapse SN (CCSN). Apart from SN 1987A, this is the first time that such features have been observed in any SN. Our second goal is to investigate CCSNe as the major source of dust in the universe, past or present. Direct evidence in support of this is still very sparse. Warm grains emit most strongly in the mid-IR, and so is the ideal wavelength range for following dust condensation in the ejecta or possibly in a cool, dense shell at the ejecta/progenitor wind interface. Alternatively, such radiation may arise from IR light echo emission from progenitor-wind dust. Discrimination between condensing dust and pre-existing circumstellar dust can be deduced from the mid-IR spectral energy distribution and evolution. Our IRAC data have already provided evidence of dust IR emission in two CCSNe. In one case, new grain condensation is indicated.

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