Ultra-bright optical transients are linked with type Ic supernovae

Details Ultra-bright optical transients are linked with type Ic supernovae Ultra-bright optical transients are linked with type Ic supernovae

2010-08-16

arxiv.org/abs/1008.2674v2

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

Solar and Stellar Astrophysics

16 pages, 4 figures, 1 table. Accepted for publication in the Astrophysical Journal Letters on September 9

Scientific paper

Recent searches by unbiased, wide-field surveys have uncovered a group of extremely luminous optical transients. The initial discoveries of SN 2005ap by the Texas Supernova Search and SCP-06F6 in a deep Hubble pencil beam survey were followed by the Palomar Transient Factory confirmation of host redshifts for other similar transients. The transients share the common properties of high optical luminosities (peak magnitudes ~ -21 to -23), blue colors, and a lack of H or He spectral features. The physical mechanism that produces the luminosity is uncertain, with suggestions ranging from jet-driven explosion to pulsational pair-instability. Here we report the most detailed photometric and spectral coverage of an ultra-bright transient (SN 2010gx) detected in the Pan-STARRS 1 sky survey. In common with other transients in this family, early-time spectra show a blue continuum, and prominent broad absorption lines of O II. However, about 25d after discovery, the spectra developed type Ic supernova features, showing the characteristic broad Fe II and Si II absorption lines. Detailed, post-maximum follow-up may show that all SN 2005ap and SCP-06F6 type transients are linked to supernovae Ic. This poses problems in understanding the physics of the explosions: there is no indication from late-time photometry that the luminosity is powered by 56Ni, the broad lightcurves suggest very large ejected masses, and the slow spectral evolution is quite different from typical Ic timescales. The nature of the progenitor stars and the origin of the luminosity are intriguing and open questions.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Ultra-bright optical transients are linked with type Ic 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 Ultra-bright optical transients are linked with type Ic supernovae, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Ultra-bright optical transients are linked with type Ic supernovae will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-177846