Core-collapse Supernova Progenitors Research Articles

Extragalactic Binaries as Core-Collapse Supernova Progenitors

Core-collapse supernovae (SNe) come in a variety of subtypes. The SNe II-plateau (II-P) show a long plateau in their light curves, as well as classical P Cygni Balmer line profiles in their spectra. The SNe Il-linear (II-L) show a linear decline in their light curves after maximum, and the blue absorption trough in the Balmer lines is missing, leaving only broad emission profiles. The SNe II-narrow (IIn) show a narrow profile atop a broad base to the Balmer emission. The SNe lb exhibit no hydrogen lines, but prominent He lines instead. The SNe Ic also show no H, but also weak or no He, with their spectra dominated by intermediate-mass elements. The SNe lib start out appearing as SNe II(P), but in time evolve spectrally to resemble SNe lb, with a later resumption of broad Balmer profiles, as in the case of SN 1993J (see Filippenko 1997 for a review of SN types). The progression from SNe II-P, II-L, Iln, lib, lb, through Ic may be due to the degree of stripping of the H-rich stellar envelope. Binary star systems are likely the progenitors of many core-collapse SNe. In fact, we might expect ≳40-50% of all such SNe to arise from binaries (e.g., De Donder & Vanbeveren 1998).

Extragalactic binaries as core-collapse supernova progenitors

Binary star systems are likely the progenitors of many core-collapse (Type II, Type Ib/c) supernovae (SNe). We present observational investigations using ground-based and Hubble Space Telescope optical imaging and radio monitoring of SNe and their environments, which either indicate or attempt to constrain the possible binary nature of the SN progenitors. For example, from radio observations with the Very Large Array of the Type II-linear SN 1979C in M100 we conclude that the progenitor was possibly in a massive, highly eccentric binary, similar to the VV Cephei systems. The Type IIb SN 1993J in M81 is presumed to have a massive progenitor in an interacting binary system, and from Hubble imaging we cannot yet constrain the nature of the presumed massive, blue companion. We will present additional results for other Type Ib/c and II SNe.

Detecting the progenitors of core-collapse supernovae

A novel project to directly detect the progenitor stars of nearby core-collapse supernovae in pre-discovery archive images is briefly described.

Distribution of Supernovae in Spiral Galaxies

view Abstract Citations (57) References (31) Co-Reads Similar Papers Volume Content Graphics Metrics Export Citation NASA/ADS Distribution of Supernovae in Spiral Galaxies van den Bergh, Sidney Abstract Data are presently available on 156 supernovae (SNe) of known type that have occurred in spirals of types Sa-Sc having inclinations 1<70°. The surface density distribution of SN Ibc+SN II is found to be an exponential with exponent -4.5rSN/R25. Available data suggest, but do not yet prove, that SNe Ibc may be more centrally concentrated than SNe II. It is tentatively suggested that such an effect might be due to preferential mass loss via stellar winds, in the relatively metal-rich progenitors of core-collapse supernovae (or by an enhanced mass transfer rate in binary SN progenitors) in the high metallicity central regions of spiral galaxies. Publication: The Astronomical Journal Pub Date: January 1997 DOI: 10.1086/118244 arXiv: arXiv:astro-ph/9611025 Bibcode: 1997AJ....113..197V Keywords: GALAXIES: SPIRAL; SUPERNOVAE: GENERAL; GALAXIES: STELLAR CONTENT; Astrophysics E-Print: To appear in the January 1997 Astronomical Journal. Also available at http://www.hia.nrc.ca/DAO/SCIENCE full text sources arXiv | ADS | data products NED (10) SIMBAD (4)