Abstract
We use the redshift distribution of type-Ia supernovae (SNe) discovered by the Supernova Cosmology Project to constrain the star formation history (SFH) of the Universe and SN Ia progenitor models. Given some of the recent determinations of the SFH, the observed SN Ia redshift distribution indicates a long (>~1 h^-1 Gyr) mean delay time between the formation of a stellar population and the explosion of some of its members as SNe Ia. For example, if the Madau et al. (1998) SFH is assumed, the delay time tau is constrained to be tau > 1.7 (tau > 0.7) h^-1 Gyr at the 95%(99%) confidence level (CL). SFHs that rise at high redshift, similar to those advocated by Lanzetta et al. (2002), are inconsistent with the data at the 95% CL unless tau > 2.5 h^-1 Gyr. Long time delays disfavor progenitor models such as edge-lit detonation of a white dwarf accreting from a giant donor, and the carbon core ignition of a white dwarf passing the Chandrasekhar mass due to accretion from a subgiant. The SN Ia delay may be shorter, thereby relaxing some of these constraints, if the field star formation rate falls, between z=1 and the present, less sharply than implied, e.g., by the original Madau plot. We show that the discovery of larger samples of high-z SNe Ia by forthcoming observational projects should yield strong constraints on the progenitor models and the SFH. In a companion paper (astro-ph/0309797), we demonstrate that if SNe Ia produce most of the iron in galaxy clusters, and the stars in clusters formed at z~2, the SN Ia delay time must be lower than 2 Gyr. If so, then the Lanzetta et al. (2002) SFH will be ruled out by the data presented here.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.