Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics – High Energy Astrophysical Phenomena
Scientific paper
2010-06-10
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
High Energy Astrophysical Phenomena
7 pages; 3 figures, accepted for publication in ApJ
Scientific paper
We report on VLBI, as well as VLA radio observations of the Type Ib/c supernova 2009bb. The high radio luminosity of this supernova seems to require relativistic outflow, implying that the early radio emission was "engine-driven", that is driven by collimated outflow from a compact object, even though no gamma-ray emission was seen. The radio light curve shows a general decline, with a "bump" near t = 52 d, seen most prominently at 5 GHz. The lightcurve bump could be either engine-driven, or it might represent the turn-on of the normal radio emission from a supernova, driven by interaction with the CSM rather than by the engine. We undertook VLBI observations to resolve SN 2009bb's relativistic outflow. Our observations constrain the angular outer radius at an age of 85 d to be <0.64 mas, corresponding to <4 x 10^17 cm and an average apparent expansion speed of <1.74c. This result is consistent with the moderately relativistic ejecta speeds implied by the radio luminosity and spectrum.
Bartel Norbert
Bietenholz Michael F.
Chugai Nikolai
Ellingsen Simon P.
Horiuchi Shunsaku
No associations
LandOfFree
VLBI Observations of SN 2009bb 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 VLBI Observations of SN 2009bb, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and VLBI Observations of SN 2009bb will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-492771