Bolometric Light Curve Research Articles

The Fast-evolving Type Ib Supernova SN 2015dj in NGC 7371

Abstract We present the detailed optical evolution of a Type Ib SN 2015dj in NGC 7371, using data spanning up to ∼170 days after discovery. SN 2015dj shares similarity in light-curve shape with SN 2007gr and peaks at M V = −17.37 ± 0.02 mag. Analytical modeling of the quasi bolometric light curve yields 0.06 ± 0.01 M ⊙ of 56Ni, ejecta mass M ⊙, and kinetic energy erg. The spectral features show a fast evolution and resemble those of spherically symmetric ejecta. The analysis of nebular phase spectral lines indicates a progenitor mass between 13–20 M ⊙, suggesting a binary scenario.

The Peculiar Transient AT2018cow: A Possible Origin of a Type Ibn/IIn Supernova

Abstract We present our photometric and spectroscopic observations of the peculiar transient AT2018cow. The multiband photometry covers from peak to ∼70 days, and the spectroscopy ranges from 5 to ∼50 days. The rapid rise (t r ≲ 2.9 days), high luminosity (M V,peak ∼ −20.8 mag), and fast decline after peak make AT2018cow stand out from any other optical transients, whereas we find that its light curves show a high resemblance to those of Type Ibn supernovae. Moreover, the spectral energy distribution remains at a high temperature of ∼14,000 K at t > 15 days after discovery. The spectra are featureless in the first 10 days, while some broad emission lines due to H, He, C, and O emerge later, with velocity declining from ∼14,000 to ∼3000 km s−1 at the end of our observations. Narrow and weak He I emission lines emerge in the spectra at t > 20 days after discovery. These emission lines are reminiscent of the features seen in interacting supernovae like the Type Ibn and IIn subclasses. We fit the bolometric light curves with a model of circumstellar interaction and radioactive decay of 56Ni and find a good fit with ejecta mass M ej ∼ 3.16 M ⊙, circumstellar medium (CSM) mass M CSM ∼ 0.04 M ⊙, and ejected 56Ni mass M ⊙. The CSM shell might be formed in an eruptive mass ejection of the progenitor star. Furthermore, the host environment of AT2018cow implies a connection of AT2018cow with massive stars. Combining observational properties and the light-curve fitting results, we conclude that AT2018cow might be a peculiar interacting supernova that originated from a massive star.

SN 2017hpa: a carbon-rich Type Ia supernova

ABSTRACT We present the optical (UBVRI) and ultraviolet (Swift-Ultraviolet and Optical Telescope) photometry, and optical spectroscopy of Type Ia supernova SN 2017hpa. We study broad-band ultraviolet (UV)+optical light curves and low-resolution spectroscopy spanning from −13.8 to +108 d from the maximum light in B band. The photometric analysis indicates that SN 2017hpa is a normal Type Ia supernova with ΔmB(15) = 0.98 ± 0.16 mag and MB = −19.45 ± 0.15 mag at a distance modulus of μ = 34.08 ± 0.09 mag. The (uvw1 − uvv) colour evolution shows that SN 2017hpa falls in the near-UV (NUV)-blue group. The (B − V) colour at maximum is bluer in comparison to normal Type Ia supernovae. Spectroscopic analysis shows that the Si ii λ6355 Å absorption feature evolves rapidly with a velocity gradient, $\dot{v}=128\pm 7$ km s−1 d−1. The pre-maximum phase spectra show prominent C ii λ6580 Å absorption feature. The C ii 6580 Å line velocity measured from the observed spectra is lower than the velocity of Si ii λ6355 Å, which could be due to a line-of-sight effect. The synthetic spectral fits to the pre-maximum spectra using syn++ indicate the presence of a high-velocity component in the Si ii absorption, in addition to a photospheric component. Fitting the observed spectrum with the spectral synthesis code tardis, the mass of unburned C in the ejecta is estimated to be ∼0.019 M⊙. The peak bolometric luminosity is $L^{\rm {bol}}_{\rm {peak}} = 1.43\times 10^{43}$ erg s−1. The radiation diffusion model fit to the bolometric light curve indicates 0.61 ± 0.02 M⊙ of 56Ni is synthesized in the explosion.

Late-time Observations of Calcium-rich Transient SN 2019ehk Reveal a Pure Radioactive Decay Power Source

Abstract We present multiband Hubble Space Telescope imaging of the calcium-rich supernova (SN) SN 2019ehk at 276-389 days after explosion. These observations represent the latest B-band to near-IR photometric measurements of a calcium-rich transient to date and allow for the first opportunity to analyze the late-time bolometric evolution of an object in this observational SN class. We find that the late-time bolometric light curve of SN 2019ehk can be described predominantly through the radioactive decay of 56Co for which we derive a mass of M(56Co) = (2.8 ± 0.1) × 10−2 M ⊙. Furthermore, the rate of decline in bolometric luminosity requires the leakage of γ-rays on timescale t γ = 53.9 ± 1.30 days, but we find no statistical evidence for incomplete positron trapping in the SN ejecta. While our observations cannot constrain the exact masses of other radioactive isotopes synthesized in SN 2019ehk, we estimate a mass ratio limit of M(57Co)/M(56Co) ≤ 0.030. This limit is consistent with the explosive nucleosynthesis produced in the merger of low-mass white dwarfs, which is one of the favored progenitor scenarios in early-time studies of SN 2019ehk.

SN 2020ank: a bright and fast-evolving H-deficient superluminous supernova

ABSTRACTWe investigate the observational properties of a hydrogen-deficient superluminous supernova (SLSN) SN 2020ank (at z = 0.2485), with the help of early phase observations carried out between –21 and +52 d since g-band maximum. Photometrically, SN 2020ank is one of the brightest SLSN ($M_{\mathrm{ g,peak}}\, \sim$ –21.84 ± 0.10 mag), having fast pre-peak rising and post-peak decaying rates. The bolometric light curve of SN 2020ank exhibits a higher peak luminosity (Lmax) of ∼ (3.9 ± 0.7) × 1044 erg s−1 and appears to be symmetric around the peak with $L^{\mathrm{ rise}}_{\mathrm{ max}}$/e ${\approx}L^{\mathrm{ fall}}_{\mathrm{ max}}$/e ≈ 15 d. The semi-analytical light-curve modelling using the minim code suggests a spin-down millisecond magnetar with $P_i\, \sim$ 2.2 ± 0.5 ms and $B\, \sim$ (2.9 ± 0.1) $\times \, 10^{14}$ G as a possible powering source for SN 2020ank. The possible magnetar origin and excess ultraviolet flux at early epochs indicate a central-engine based powering source for SN 2020ank. Near-peak spectra of SN 2020ank are enriched with the W-shaped O ii features but with the weaker signatures of C ii and Fe iii. Using the estimated rise time of ∼ 27.9 d and the photospheric velocity of ∼ 12 050 km s−1, we constrain the ejecta mass to ∼ 7.2 M⊙ and the kinetic energy of ∼6.3 × 1051 erg. The near-peak spectrum of SN 2020ank exhibits a close spectral resemblance with that of fast-evolving SN 2010gx. The absorption features of SN 2020ank are blueshifted compared to Gaia16apd, suggesting a higher expansion velocity. The spectral similarity with SN 2010gx and comparatively faster spectral evolution than PTF12dam (a slow-evolving SLSN) indicate the fast-evolving behaviour of SN 2020ank.

The study of multipeaked type-I X-ray bursts in the neutron star low-mass X-ray binary 4U 1636 − 536 with RXTE

ABSTRACT We have found and analysed 16 multipeaked type-I bursts from the neutron-star low-mass X-ray binary 4U 1636 − 53 with the Rossi X-ray Timing Explorer (RXTE). One of the bursts is a rare quadruple-peaked burst that was not previously reported. All 16 bursts show a multipeaked structure not only in the X-ray light curves but also in the bolometric light curves. Most of the multipeaked bursts appear in observations during the transition from the hard to the soft state in the colour–colour diagram. We find an anticorrelation between the second peak flux and the separation time between two peaks. We also find that in the double-peaked bursts the peak-flux ratio and the temperature of the thermal component in the pre-burst spectra are correlated. This indicates that the double-peaked structure in the light curve of the bursts may be affected by enhanced accretion rate in the disc, or increased temperature of the neutron star.

Progenitor properties of type II supernovae: fitting to hydrodynamical models using Markov chain Monte Carlo methods

Context.The progenitor and explosion properties of type II supernovae (SNe II) are fundamental to understanding the evolution of massive stars. Particular attention has been paid to the initial masses of their progenitors, but despite the efforts made, the range of initial masses is still uncertain. Direct imaging of progenitors in pre-explosion archival images suggests an upper initial mass cutoff of ∼18M⊙. However, this is in tension with previous studies in which progenitor masses inferred by light-curve modelling tend to favour high-mass solutions. Moreover, it has been argued that light-curve modelling alone cannot provide a unique solution for the progenitor and explosion properties of SNe II.Aims.We develop a robust method which helps us to constrain the physical parameters of SNe II by simultaneously fitting their bolometric light curve and the evolution of the photospheric velocity to hydrodynamical models using statistical inference techniques.Methods.We created pre-supernova red supergiant models using the stellar evolution code MESA, varying the initial progenitor mass. We then processed the explosion of these progenitors through hydrodynamical simulations, where we changed the explosion energy and the synthesised nickel mass together with its spatial distribution within the ejecta. We compared the results to observations using Markov chain Monte Carlo methods.Results.We apply this method to a well-studied set of SNe with an observed progenitor in pre-explosion images and compare with results in the literature. Progenitor mass constraints are found to be consistent between our results and those derived by pre-SN imaging and the analysis of late-time spectral modelling.Conclusions.We have developed a robust method to infer progenitor and explosion properties of SN II progenitors which is consistent with other methods in the literature. Our results show that hydrodynamical modelling can be used to accurately constrain the physical properties of SNe II. This study is the starting point for a further analysis of a large sample of hydrogen-rich SNe.

An investigation of 56Ni shells as the source of early light curve bumps in type Ia supernovae

An excess of flux (i.e. a bump) in the early light curves of type Ia supernovae has been observed in a handful of cases. Multiple scenarios have been proposed to explain this excess flux. Recently, it has been shown that for at least one object (SN 2018oh) the excess emission observed could be the result of a large amount of 56Ni in the outer ejecta (∼0.03 M⊙). We present a series of model light curves and spectra for ejecta profiles containing 56Ni shells of varying masses (0.01, 0.02, 0.03, and 0.04 M⊙) and widths. We find that even for our lowest mass 56Ni shell, an increase of >2 magnitudes is produced in the bolometric light curve at one day after explosion relative to models without a 56Ni shell. We show that the colour evolution of models with a 56Ni shell differs significantly from those without and shows a colour inversion similar to some double-detonation explosion models. Furthermore, spectra of our 56Ni shell models show that strong suppression of flux between ∼3700–4000 Å close to maximum light appears to be a generic feature for this class of model. Comparing our models to observations of SNe 2017cbv and 2018oh, we show that a 56Ni shell of 0.02–0.04 M⊙ can match shapes of the early optical light curve bumps, but the colour and spectral evolution are in disagreement. Our models also predict a strong UV bump that is not observed. This would indicate that an alternative origin for the flux excess is necessary. In addition, based on existing explosion scenarios, producing such a 56Ni shell in the outer ejecta as required to match the light curve shape, without the presence of additional short-lived radioactive material, may prove challenging. Given that only a small amount of 56Ni in the outer ejecta is required to produce a bump in the light curve, such non-monotonically decreasing 56Ni distributions in the outer ejecta must be rare, if they were to occur at all.

Hydrodynamical Modeling of the Light Curves of Core-collapse Supernovae with HYPERION. I. The Mass Range 13–25 M⊙, the Metallicities −3 ≤ [Fe/H] ≤ 0, and the Case of SN 1999em

Abstract We present the last version of HYdrodynamic Ppm Explosion with Radiation diffusION (Hyperion), a hydrodynamic code designed to calculate the explosive nucleosynthesis, remnant mass, and light curve associated with the explosion of a massive star. By means of this code, we compute the explosion of a subset of red supergiant models taken from the database published by Limongi & Chieffi for various explosion energies in the range ∼0.20–2.00 × 1051 erg. The main outcomes of these simulations, i.e., remnant mass, synthesized 56Ni, luminosity, and length of the plateau of the bolometric light curve, are analyzed as a function of the initial parameters of the star (mass and metallicity) and the explosion energy. As a first application of Hyperion, we estimated the mass and metallicity of the progenitor star of SN 1999em, a well-studied Type IIP supernova, by means of the light-curve fitting. In particular, if the adopted distance to the host galaxy NGC 1637 is 7.83 Mpc, the properties of the light curve point toward a progenitor with an initial mass of 13 M ⊙ and a metallicity [Fe/H] = −1. If, on the contrary, the adopted distance modulus is 11.7 Mpc, all models with initial mass 13 ≤ M/M ⊙ ≤ 15 and metallicities −1 ≤ [Fe/H] ≤ 0 are compatible with the progenitor of SN 1999em.

SN 2017ivv: two years of evolution of a transitional Type II supernova

ABSTRACT We present the photometric and spectroscopic evolution of the Type II supernova (SN II) SN 2017ivv (also known as ASASSN-17qp). Located in an extremely faint galaxy (Mr = −10.3 mag), SN 2017ivv shows an unprecedented evolution during the 2 yr of observations. At early times, the light curve shows a fast rise (∼6−8 d) to a peak of ${\it M}^{\rm max}_{g}= -17.84$ mag, followed by a very rapid decline of 7.94 ± 0.48 mag per 100 d in the V band. The extensive photometric coverage at late phases shows that the radioactive tail has two slopes, one steeper than that expected from the decay of 56Co (between 100 and 350 d), and another slower (after 450 d), probably produced by an additional energy source. From the bolometric light curve, we estimated that the amount of ejected 56Ni is ∼0.059 ± 0.003 M⊙. The nebular spectra of SN 2017ivv show a remarkable transformation that allows the evolution to be split into three phases: (1) Hα strong phase (<200 d); (2) Hα weak phase (between 200 and 350 d); and (3) Hα broad phase (>500 d). We find that the nebular analysis favours a binary progenitor and an asymmetric explosion. Finally, comparing the nebular spectra of SN 2017ivv to models suggests a progenitor with a zero-age main-sequence mass of 15–17 M⊙.

Exploring the Energy Sources Powering the Light Curve of the Type Ibn Supernova PS15dpn and the Mass-loss History of the SN Progenitor

Abstract PS15dpn is a luminous rapidly rising Type Ibn supernova (SN) discovered by Pan-STARRS1. Previous study has showed that its bolometric light curve (LC) cannot be explained by the 56Ni model. In this paper, we used the 56Ni model, the magnetar model, the circumstellar interaction (CSI) model, and the CSI plus 56Ni model to fit the bolometric LC of PS15dpn. We found that the 56Ni model can fit the bolometric LC but the parameters are unrealistic, and that the magnetar model, the CSI model, and the CSI plus 56Ni model can match the data with reasonable parameters. Considering the fact that the emission lines indicative of the interaction between the ejecta and the circumstellar medium (CSM) have been confirmed, and that the SNe produced by the explosions of massive stars can synthesize moderate amounts of 56Ni, we suggest that the CSI plus 56Ni model is the most promising model. Assuming that the CSM is a shell (wind), the masses of the ejecta, the CSM, and the 56Ni are ( M ⊙), M ⊙ ( M ⊙), and M ⊙ ( M ⊙), respectively. The inferred ejecta masses are consistent with the scenario that the progenitors of SNe Ibn are massive Wolf–Rayet stars. Adopting the shell CSM scenario, the shell might be expelled by an eruption of the progenitor just ∼17–167 days prior to the SN explosion; for the wind scenario, the inferred mass-loss rate of the wind is ∼8.0 M ⊙ yr−1, indicating that the wind is a “super-wind” having an extremely high mass-loss rate.

On the Energy Sources of the Most Luminous Supernova ASASSN-15lh

Abstract In this paper, we investigate the energy-source models for the most luminous supernova ASASSN-15lh. We revisit the ejecta–circumstellar medium (CSM) interaction (CSI) model and the CSI plus magnetar spin-down with full gamma-ray/X-ray trapping, which were adopted by Chatzopoulos et al., and find that the two models cannot fit the bolometric light curve (LC) of ASASSN-15lh. Therefore, we consider a CSI plus magnetar model with the gamma-ray/X-ray leakage effect to eliminate the late-time excess of the theoretical LC. We find that this revised model can reproduce the bolometric LC of ASASSN-15lh. Moreover, we construct a new hybrid model (i.e., the CSI plus fallback model), and find that it can also reproduce the bolometric LC of ASASSN-15lh. Assuming that the conversion efficiency (η) of fallback accretion to an outflow is typically ∼10−3, we derive that the total mass accreted is ∼3.9 M ⊙. The inferred CSM mass in the two models is rather large, indicating that the progenitor could have experienced an eruption of hydrogen-poor materials followed by an energetic core-collapse explosion leaving behind a magnetar or a black hole.

Early light curves of Type II supernovae interacting with a circumstellar disc

ABSTRACT Type II supernovae (SNe) interacting with disc-like circumstellar matter (CSM) have been suggested as an explanation of some unusual Type II SNe, e.g. the so-called impossible SN, iPTF14hls. There are some radiation hydrodynamic simulations for such SNe interacting with a CSM disc. However, such disc interaction models so far have not included the effect of the ionization and recombination processes in the SN ejecta, i.e. the fact that the photosphere of Type IIP SNe between ∼10 and ∼100 d is regulated by the hydrogen recombination front. We calculate light curves for Type IIP SNe interacting with a CSM disc viewed from the polar direction, and examine the effects of the disc density and opening angle on their bolometric light curves. This work embeds the shock interaction model of Moriya et al. within the Type IIP SN model of Kasen & Woosley, for taking into account the effects of the ionization and recombination in the SN ejecta. We demonstrate that such interacting SNe show three phases with different photometric and spectroscopic properties, following the change in the energy source: First few tens of days after explosion (phase 1), ∼10 to ∼100 d (phase 2), and days after that (phase 3). From the calculations, we conclude that such hidden CSM disc cannot account for overluminous Type IIP SNe. We find that the luminosity ratio between phase 1 and phase 2 has information on the opening angle of the CSM disc. We thus encourage early photometric and spectroscopic observations of interacting SNe for investigating their CSM geometry.

The slow demise of the long-lived SN 2005ip

ABSTRACT The Type IIn supernova (SN IIn) 2005ip is one of the most well-studied and long-lasting examples of an SN interacting with its circumstellar environment. The optical light curve plateaued at a nearly constant level for more than five years, suggesting ongoing shock interaction with an extended and clumpy circumstellar medium (CSM). Here, we present continued observations of the SN from ∼1000 to 5000 d post-explosion at all wavelengths, including X-ray, ultraviolet, near-infrared (NIR), and mid-infrared. The UV spectra probe the pre-explosion mass loss and show evidence for CNO processing. From the bolometric light curve, we find that the total radiated energy is in excess of 1050 erg, the progenitor star’s pre-explosion mass-loss rate was ${\gtrsim}1 \times 10^{-2}\, {\rm M_{\odot }~ yr}^{-1}$, and the total mass lost shortly before explosion was ${\gtrsim}1\, {\rm M_\odot }$, though the mass lost could have been considerably larger depending on the efficiency for the conversion of kinetic energy to radiation. The ultraviolet through NIR spectrum is characterized by two high-density components, one with narrow high-ionization lines, and one with broader low-ionization H i, He i, [O i], Mg ii, and Fe ii lines. The rich Fe ii spectrum is strongly affected by Lyα fluorescence, consistent with spectral modelling. Both the Balmer and He i lines indicate a decreasing CSM density during the late interaction period. We find similarities to SN 1988Z, which shows a comparable change in spectrum at around the same time during its very slow decline. These results suggest that, at long last, the shock interaction in SN 2005ip may finally be on the decline.

The Tidal Disruption Event AT 2018hyz II: Light-curve modelling of a partially disrupted star

ABSTRACT AT 2018hyz (= ASASSN-18zj) is a tidal disruption event (TDE) located in the nucleus of a quiescent E+A galaxy at a redshift of z = 0.04573, first detected by the All-Sky Automated Survey for Supernovae (ASAS-SN). We present optical+UV photometry of the transient, as well as an X-ray spectrum and radio upper limits. The bolometric light curve of AT 2018hyz is comparable to other known TDEs and declines at a rate consistent with a t−5/3 at early times, emitting a total radiated energy of E = 9 × 1050 erg. An excess bump appears in the UV light curve about 50 d after bolometric peak, followed by a flattening beyond 250 d. We detect a constant X-ray source present for at least 86 d. The X-ray spectrum shows a total unabsorbed flux of ∼4 × 10−14 erg cm−2 s−1 and is best fit by a blackbody plus power-law model with a photon index of Γ = 0.8. A thermal X-ray model is unable to account for photons >1 keV, while a radio non-detection favours inverse-Compton scattering rather than a jet for the non-thermal component. We model the optical and UV light curves using the Modular Open-Source Fitter for Transients (MOSFiT) and find a best fit for a black hole of 5.2 × 106 M⊙ disrupting a 0.1 M⊙ star; the model suggests the star was likely only partially disrupted, based on the derived impact parameter of β = 0.6. The low optical depth implied by the small debris mass may explain how we are able to see hydrogen emission with disc-like line profiles in the spectra of AT 2018hyz (see our companion paper).

Comparing Moment-based and Monte Carlo Methods of Radiation Transport Modeling for Type II-Plateau Supernova Light Curves

Abstract Time-dependent electromagnetic signatures from core-collapse supernovae are the result of detailed transport of the shock-deposited and radioactively powered radiation through the stellar ejecta. Due to the complexity of the underlying radiative processes, considerable approximations are made to simplify key aspects of the radiation transport problem. We present a systematic comparison of the moment-based radiation hydrodynamical code STELLA and the Monte Carlo radiation transport code Sedona in the 1D modeling of Type II-Plateau supernovae. Based on explosion models generated from the Modules for Experiments in Stellar Astrophysics instrument, we find remarkable agreements in the modeled light curves and the ejecta structure thermal evolution, affirming the fidelity of both radiation transport modeling approaches. The radiative moments computed directly by the Monte Carlo scheme in Sedona also verify the accuracy of the moment-based scheme. We find that the coarse resolutions of the opacity tables and the numerical approximations in STELLA have an insignificant impact on the resulting bolometric light curves, making it an efficient tool for the specific task of optical light-curve modeling.

The γ-ray deposition histories of core-collapse supernovae

ABSTRACT The γ-ray deposition history in an expanding supernova (SN) ejecta has been mostly used to constrain models for Type Ia SN. Here we expand this methodology to core-collapse SNe, including stripped envelope (SE; Type Ib/Ic/IIb) and Type IIP SNe. We construct bolometric light curves using photometry from the literature and we use the Katz integral to extract the γ-ray deposition history. We recover the tight range of γ-ray escape times, $t_0\approx 30\!-\!45\, \textrm {d}$, for Type Ia SNe, and we find a new tight range $t_0\approx 80\!-\!140\, \textrm {d}$, for SE SNe. Type IIP SNe are clearly separated from other SNe types with $t_0\gtrsim 400\, \textrm {d}$, and there is a possible negative correlation between t0 and the synthesized 56Ni mass. We find that the typical masses of the synthesized 56Ni in SE SNe are larger than those in Type IIP SNe, in agreement with the results of Kushnir. This disfavours progenitors with the same initial mass range for these explosions. We recover the observed values of ET, the time-weighted integrated luminosity from cooling emission, for Type IIP, and we find hints of non-zero ET values in some SE SNe. We apply a simple γ-ray radiation transfer code to calculate the γ-ray deposition histories of models from the literature, and we show that the observed histories are a powerful tool for constraining models.

Observations of the low-luminosity Type Iax supernova 2019gsc: a fainter clone of SN 2008ha?

ABSTRACT We present optical photometric and spectroscopic observations of the faint-and-fast evolving Type Iax supernova (SN) 2019gsc, extending from the time of g-band maximum until about 50 d post-maximum, when the object faded to an apparent r-band magnitude mr = 22.48 ± 0.11 mag. SN 2019gsc reached a peak luminosity of only Mg = −13.58 ± 0.15 mag, and is characterized with a post-maximum decline rate Δm15(g) = 1.08 ± 0.14 mag. These light curve parameters are comparable to those measured for SN 2008ha of Mg = −13.89 ± 0.14 mag at peak and Δm15(g) =1.80 ± 0.03 mag. The spectral features of SN 2019gsc also resemble those of SN 2008ha at similar phases. This includes both the extremely low ejecta velocity at maximum, ∼3000 km s−1, and at late-time (phase +54 d) strong forbidden iron and cobalt lines as well as both forbidden and permitted calcium features. Furthermore, akin to SN 2008ha, the bolometric light curve of SN 2019gsc is consistent with the production of ≈0.003 ± 0.001 M⊙ of 56Ni. The explosion parameters, Mej ≈ 0.13 M⊙ and Ek ≈ 12 × 1048 erg, are also similar to those inferred for SN 2008ha. We estimate a subsolar oxygen abundance for the host galaxy of SN 2019gsc (12 + log10(O/H) =8.10 ± 0.18 dex), consistent with the equally metal-poor environment of SN 2008ha. Altogether, our data set for SN 2019gsc indicates that this is a member of a small but growing group of extreme SN Iax that includes SN 2008ha and SN 2010ae.

The Carnegie Supernova Project II

We present ultra-violet (UV) to mid-infrared (MIR) observations of the long-lasting Type IIn supernova (SN) 2013L obtained by the Carnegie Supernova Project II beginning two days after discovery and extending until +887 days (d). The SN reached a peak r-band absolute magnitude of ≈−19 mag and an even brighter UV peak, and its light curve evolution resembles that of SN 1988Z. The spectra of SN 2013L are dominated by hydrogen emission features, characterized by three components attributed to different emission regions. A unique feature of this Type IIn SN is that, apart from the first epochs, the blue shifted line profile is dominated by the macroscopic velocity of the expanding shock wave of the SN. We are therefore able to trace the evolution of the shock velocity in the dense and partially opaque circumstellar medium (CSM), from ∼4800 km s−1 at +48 d, decreasing as t−0.23 to ∼2700 km s−1 after a year. We performed spectral modeling of both the broad- and intermediate-velocity components of the Hα line profile. The high-velocity component is consistent with emission from a radially thin, spherical shell located behind the expanding shock with emission wings broadened by electron scattering. We propose that the intermediate component originates from preionized gas from the unshocked dense CSM with the same velocity as the narrow component, ∼100 km s−1, but also that it is broadened by electron scattering. These features provide direct information about the shock structure, which is consistent with model calculations. The spectra exhibit broad O I and [O I] lines that emerge at ≳+144 d and broad Ca II features. The spectral continua and the spectral energy distributions (SEDs) of SN 2013L after +132 d are well reproduced by a two-component black-body (BB) model; one component represents emitting material with a temperature between 5 × 103 and 1.5 × 104 K (hot component) and the second component is characterized by a temperature around 1–1.5 × 103 K (warm component). The warm component dominates the emission at very late epochs (≳+400 d), as is evident from both the last near infrared (NIR) spectrum and MIR observations obtained with the Spitzer Space Telescope. Using the BB fit to the SEDs, we constructed a bolometric light curve that was modeled together with the unshocked CSM velocity and the shock velocity derived from the Hα line modeling. The circumstellar-interaction model of the bolometric light curve reveals a mass-loss rate history with large values (1.7 × 10−2 − 0.15 M⊙ yr−1) over the ∼25−40 years before explosion, depending on the radiative efficiency and anisotropies in the CSM. The drop in the light curve at ∼350 days and the presence of electron scattering wings at late epochs indicate an anisotropic CSM. The mass-loss rate values and the unshocked-CSM velocity are consistent with the characteristics of a massive star, such as a luminous blue variable (LBV) undergoing strong eruptions, similar to η Carinae. Our analysis also suggests a scenario where pre-existing dust grains have a distribution that is characterized by a small covering factor.

The Value of Progenitor Radius Measurements for Explosion Modeling of Type II-Plateau Supernovae

Abstract Using Modules for Experiments in Stellar Astrophysics (MESA)+STELLA, we show that very different physical models can adequately reproduce a specific observed Type II-Plateau supernova (SN). We consider SN2004A, SN2004et, SN2009ib, SN2017eaw, and SN2017gmr, nickel-rich ( ) events with bolometric lightcurves and a well-sampled decline from the plateau. These events also have constraints on the progenitor radius, via a progenitor image, or, in the case of SN2017gmr, a radius from fitting shock-cooling models. In general, many explosions spanning the parameter space of progenitors can yield excellent lightcurve and Fe-line velocity agreement, demonstrating the success of scaling laws in motivating models that match plateau properties for a given radius and highlighting the degeneracy between plateau luminosity and velocity in models and observed events, which can span over 50% in ejecta mass, radius, and explosion energy. This can help explain disagreements in explosion properties reported for the same event using different model calculations. Our calculations yield explosion properties when combined with pre-explosion progenitor radius measurements or a robust understanding of the outermost of material that quantifies the progenitor radius from SN observations a few days after explosion.