The nature of the progenitor of the Type II-P supernova 1999em

Details The nature of the progenitor of the Type II-P supernova 1999em The nature of the progenitor of the Type II-P supernova 1999em

2001-07-26

arxiv.org/abs/astro-ph/0107499v2

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

Replaced with accepted version to appear in ApJ, 30 pages, inc. 6 figures

Scientific paper

10.1086/324690

We present high quality ground-based VRI images of the site of the Type II-P SN1999em (in NGC1637) taken before explosion, which were extracted from the CFHT archive. We determine a precise position of the SN on these images to an accuracy of 0.17''. The host galaxy is close enough (7.5 +/- 0.5 Mpc) that the bright supergiants are resolved as individual objects, however we show that there is no detection of an object at the SN position before explosion that could be interpreted as the progenitor star. By determining the sensitivity limits of the VRI data, we derive bolometric luminosity limits for the progenitor. Comparing these to standard stellar evolutionary tracks which trace evolution up to the point of core carbon ignition, we initially derive an upper mass limit of approximately 12M_sol. However we present evolutionary calculations that follow 7-12M_sol stars throughout their C-burning lifetime and show that we can restrict the mass of the progenitor even further. Our calculations indicate that progenitors initially of 8-10M_sol, undergoing expected mass loss, can also be excluded because a second dredge up sends them to somewhat higher luminosities than a star of initially 12M_sol. These results limit the progenitor's initial main-sequence mass to a very narrow range of 12 +/- 1 M_sol. We discuss the similarities between the Type II-P SNe 1999em and 1999gi and their progenitor mass limits, and suggest that SN Type II-P originate only in intermediate mass stars of 8-12M_sol, which are in the red supergiant region and that higher mass stars produce the other Type II sub-types. (Abridged).

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

The nature of the progenitor of the Type II-P supernova 1999em 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 The nature of the progenitor of the Type II-P supernova 1999em, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and The nature of the progenitor of the Type II-P supernova 1999em will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-292222