Decay Of 56Co Research Articles

A JWST Medium-resolution MIRI Spectrum and Models of the Type Ia Supernova 2021aefx at +415 days

We present a JWST MIRI medium-resolution spectrometer spectrum (5–27 μm) of the Type Ia supernova (SN Ia) SN 2021aefx at +415 days past B-band maximum. The spectrum, which was obtained during the iron-dominated nebular phase, has been analyzed in combination with previous JWST observations of SN 2021aefx to provide the first JWST time series analysis of an SN Ia. We find that the temporal evolution of the [Co iii] 11.888 μm feature directly traces the decay of 56Co. The spectra, line profiles, and their evolution are analyzed with off-center delayed-detonation models. Best fits were obtained with white dwarf (WD) central densities of ρ c = 0.9−1.1 × 109 g cm−3, a WD mass of M WD = 1.33–1.35 M ⊙, a WD magnetic field of ≈106 G, and an off-center deflagration-to-detonation transition at ≈0.5 M ⊙ seen opposite to the line of sight of the observer (−30°). The inner electron capture core is dominated by energy deposition from γ-rays, whereas a broader region is dominated by positron deposition, placing SN 2021aefx at +415 days in the transitional phase of the evolution to the positron-dominated regime. The formerly “flat-tilted” profile at 9 μm now has a significant contribution from [Ni iv], [Fe ii], and [Fe iii] and less from [Ar iii], which alters the shape of the feature as positrons mostly excite the low-velocity Ar. Overall, the strength of the stable Ni features in the spectrum is dominated by positron transport rather than the Ni mass. Based on multidimensional models, our analysis is consistent with a single-spot, close-to-central ignition with an indication of a preexisting turbulent velocity field and excludes a multiple-spot, off-center ignition.

Serendipitous Nebular-phase JWST Imaging of SN Ia SN 2021aefx: Testing the Confinement of 56Co Decay Energy

We present new 0.3–21 μm photometry of SN 2021aefx in the spiral galaxy NGC 1566 at +357 days after B-band maximum, including the first detection of any Type Ia supernova (SN Ia) at >15 μm. These observations follow earlier JWST observations of SN 2021aefx at +255 days after the time of maximum brightness, allowing us to probe the temporal evolution of the emission properties. We measure the fraction of flux emerging at different wavelengths and its temporal evolution. Additionally, the integrated 0.3–14 μm decay rate of Δm 0.3–14 = 1.35 ± 0.05 mag/100 days is higher than the decline rate from the radioactive decay of 56Co of ∼1.2 mag/100 days. The most plausible explanation for this discrepancy is that flux is shifting to >14 μm, and future JWST observations of SNe Ia will be able to directly test this hypothesis. However, models predicting nonradiative energy loss cannot be excluded with the present data.

Updated Photometry of the Yellow Supergiant Progenitor and Late-time Observations of the Type IIb Supernova SN 2016gkg

We present Hubble Space Telescope (HST) observations of the Type IIb supernova (SN) SN 2016gkg at 652, 1698, and 1795 days from explosion with the Advanced Camera for Surveys (ACS) and Wide Field Camera 3 (WFC3). Comparing to pre-explosion imaging from 2001 obtained with the Wide Field Planetary Camera 2, we demonstrate that SN 2016gkg is now fainter than its candidate counterpart in the latest WFC3 imaging, implying that the counterpart has disappeared and confirming that it was the SN progenitor star. We show the latest light curve and Keck spectroscopy of SN 2016gkg, which imply that SN 2016gkg is declining more slowly than the expected rate for 56Co decay during its nebular phase. We find that this emission is too luminous to be powered by other radioisotopes and infer that SN 2016gkg is entering a new phase in its evolution where it is powered primarily by interaction with circumstellar matter. Finally, we reanalyze the progenitor star spectral energy distribution and late-time limits in the context of binary evolution models. Including emission from a potential companion star, we find that all such predicted companion stars would be fainter than our limiting magnitudes.

Galactic Positrons from Thermonuclear Supernovae

Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) may originate from a wide variety of explosion scenarios and progenitor channels. They exhibit a factor of ≈10 difference in brightness and thus a differentiation in the mass of 56Ni → 56Co → 56Fe. We present a study on the fate of positrons within SNe Ia in order to evaluate their escape fractions and energy spectra. Our detailed Monte Carlo transport simulations for positrons and γ-rays include both β + decay of 56Co and pair production. We simulate a wide variety of explosion scenarios, including the explosion of white dwarfs (WDs) close to the Chandrasekhar mass (M Ch), He-triggered explosions of sub-M Ch WDs, and dynamical mergers of two WDs. For each model, we study the influence of the size and morphology of the progenitor magnetic field between 1 and 1013 G. Population synthesis based on the observed brightness distribution of SNe Ia was used to estimate the overall contributions to Galactic positrons due to escape from SNe Ia. We find that this is dominated by SNe Ia of normal brightness, where variations in the distribution of emitted positrons are small. We estimate a total SNe Ia contribution to Galactic positrons of <2% and, depending on the magnetic field morphology, <6–20% for M Ch and sub-M Ch, respectively.

Still Brighter than Pre-explosion, SN 2012Z Did Not Disappear: Comparing Hubble Space Telescope Observations a Decade Apart

Abstract Type Iax supernovae (SNe Iax) represent the largest class of peculiar white dwarf supernovae. The type Iax SN 2012Z in NGC 1309 is the only white dwarf supernova with a detected progenitor system in pre-explosion observations. Deep Hubble Space Telescope (HST) images taken before SN 2012Z show a luminous, blue source that we have interpreted as a helium-star companion (donor) to the exploding white dwarf. We present here late-time HST observations taken ∼1400 days after the explosion to test this model. We find the SN light curve can empirically be fit by an exponential-decay model in magnitude units. The fitted asymptotic brightness is within 10% of our latest measurements and approximately twice the brightness of the pre-explosion source. The decline of the light curve is too slow to be powered by 56Co or 57Co decay: if radioactive decay is the dominate power source, it must be from longer half-life species like 55Fe. Interaction with circumstellar material may contribute to the light curve, as may shock heating of the companion star. Companion-star models underpredict the observed flux in the optical, producing most of their flux in the UV at these epochs. A radioactively heated bound remnant, left after only a partial disruption of the white dwarf, is also capable of producing the observed excess late-time flux. Our analysis suggests that the total ejecta + remnant mass is consistent with the Chandrasekhar mass for a range of SNe Iax.

Late-time Hubble Space Telescope Observations of a Hydrogen-poor Superluminous Supernova Reveal the Power-law Decline of a Magnetar Central Engine

Abstract The light-curve diversity of hydrogen-poor superluminous supernovae (SLSNe) has kept open the possibility that multiple power sources account for the population. Specifically, pair-instability explosions (PISNe), which produce large masses of 56Ni, have been argued as the origin of some slowly-evolving SLSNe. Here we present detailed observations of SN 2016inl (=PS16fgt), a slowly-evolving SLSN at z = 0.3057, whose unusually red spectrum matches PS1-14bj, an SLSN with an exceptionally long rise time consistent with a PISN. Ground-based and Hubble Space Telescope data, spanning about 800 rest-frame days, reveal a significant light-curve flattening, similar to that seen in SN 2015bn and much slower than the decline rate expected from radioactive decay of 56Co. We therefore conclude that despite its slow evolution, SN 2016inl is inconsistent with a PISN. Instead, the light-curve evolution matches the expected power-law spindown of a magnetar central engine, but with a shallower power law (L ∝ t −2.8) compared to that in SN 2015bn, indicating a possible difference in the γ-ray opacity between the two events. Analytical modeling indicates typical magnetar engine parameters, but one of the highest ejecta masses (≈20 M ⊙) inferred for an SLSN. Our results indicate that monitoring the late-time light-curve evolution of SLSNe provides a powerful diagnostic of their energy source.

Intermediate-luminosity red transients: Spectrophotometric properties and connection to electron-capture supernova explosions

We present the spectroscopic and photometric study of five intermediate-luminosity red transients (ILRTs), namely AT 2010dn, AT 2012jc, AT 2013la, AT 2013lb, and AT 2018aes. They share common observational properties and belong to a family of objects similar to the prototypical ILRT SN 2008S. These events have a rise time that is less than 15 days and absolute peak magnitudes of between −11.5 and −14.5 mag. Their pseudo-bolometric light curves peak in the range 0.5–9.0 × 1040 erg s−1 and their total radiated energies are on the order of (0.3–3) × 1047 erg. After maximum brightness, the light curves show a monotonic decline or a plateau, resembling those of faint supernovae IIL or IIP, respectively. At late phases, the light curves flatten, roughly following the slope of the 56Co decay. If the late-time power source is indeed radioactive decay, these transients produce 56Ni masses on the order of 10−4 to 10−3 M⊙. The spectral energy distribution of our ILRT sample, extending from the optical to the mid-infrared (MIR) domain, reveals a clear IR excess soon after explosion and non-negligible MIR emission at very late phases. The spectra show prominent H lines in emission with a typical velocity of a few hundred km s−1, along with Ca II features. In particular, the [Ca II] λ7291,7324 doublet is visible at all times, which is a characteristic feature for this family of transients. The identified progenitor of SN 2008S, which is luminous in archival Spitzer MIR images, suggests an intermediate-mass precursor star embedded in a dusty cocoon. We propose the explosion of a super-asymptotic giant branch star forming an electron-capture supernova as a plausible explanation for these events.

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.

Testing Progenitor Models using the Late-time Light Curve of Supernova 1992A

Abstract The dominant radioactive energy source powering SN Ia light curves is expected to switch from the decay of 56Co to 57Co at very late epochs. We use archival Hubble Space Telescope images of SN1992A obtained more than 900 days after explosion to constrain its cobalt isotopic abundance ratio and compare it to the well-studied event SN2011fe. We confirm the 57Co/56Co ratio for SN2011fe of 0.026 ± 0.004 found by Shappee et al., consistent with a “double degenerate” progenitor scenario. For SN1992A, we find a ratio of 0.034 ± 0.010, but the large uncertainty does not allow us to differentiate between progenitor models.

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 (&amp;lt;200 d); (2) Hα weak phase (between 200 and 350 d); and (3) Hα broad phase (&amp;gt;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⊙.

DES16C3cje: A low-luminosity, long-lived supernova

ABSTRACT We present DES16C3cje, a low-luminosity, long-lived type II supernova (SN II) at redshift 0.0618, detected by the Dark Energy Survey (DES). DES16C3cje is a unique SN. The spectra are characterized by extremely narrow photospheric lines corresponding to very low expansion velocities of ≲1500 km s−1, and the light curve shows an initial peak that fades after 50 d before slowly rebrightening over a further 100 d to reach an absolute brightness of Mr ∼ −15.5 mag. The decline rate of the late-time light curve is then slower than that expected from the powering by radioactive decay of 56Co, but is comparable to that expected from accretion power. Comparing the bolometric light curve with hydrodynamical models, we find that DES16C3cje can be explained by either (i) a low explosion energy (0.11 foe) and relatively large 56Ni production of 0.075 M⊙ from an ∼15 M⊙ red supergiant progenitor typical of other SNe II, or (ii) a relatively compact ∼40 M⊙ star, explosion energy of 1 foe, and 0.08 M⊙ of 56Ni. Both scenarios require additional energy input to explain the late-time light curve, which is consistent with fallback accretion at a rate of ∼0.5 × 10−8 M⊙ s−1.

Properties of gamma-ray decay lines in 3D core-collapse supernova models, with application to SN 1987A and Cas A

ABSTRACT Comparison of theoretical line profiles to observations provides important tests for supernova explosion models. We study the shapes of radioactive decay lines predicted by current 3D core-collapse explosion simulations, and compare these to observations of SN 1987A and Cas A. Both the widths and shifts of decay lines vary by several thousand kilometres per second depending on viewing angle. The line profiles can be complex with multiple peaks. By combining observational constraints from 56Co decay lines, 44Ti decay lines, and Fe IR lines, we delineate a picture of the morphology of the explosive burning ashes in SN 1987A. For MZAMS = 15−20 M⊙ progenitors exploding with ∼1.5 × 1051 erg, ejecta structures suitable to reproduce the observations involve a bulk asymmetry of the 56Ni of at least ∼400 km s−1 and a bulk velocity of at least 1500 km s−1. By adding constraints to reproduce the UVOIR bolometric light curve of SN 1987A up to 600 d, an ejecta mass around 14 M⊙ is favoured. We also investigate whether observed decay lines can constrain the neutron star (NS) kick velocity. The model grid provides a constraint VNS &amp;gt; Vredshift, and applying this to SN 1987A gives a NS kick of at least 500 km s−1. For Cas A, our single model provides a satisfactory fit to the NuSTAR observations and reinforces the result that current neutrino-driven core-collapse SN models achieve enough bulk asymmetry in the explosive burning material. Finally, we investigate the internal gamma-ray field and energy deposition, and compare the 3D models to 1D approximations.

Strongly Bipolar Inner Ejecta of the Normal Type IIP Supernova ASASSN-16at

Abstract We report distinctly double-peaked Hα and Hβ emission lines in the late-time, nebular-phase spectra (≳200 days) of the otherwise normal at early phases (≲100 days) type IIP supernova ASASSN-16at (SN 2016X). Such distinctly double-peaked nebular Balmer lines have never been observed for a type II SN. The nebular-phase Balmer emission is driven by the radioactive 56Co decay, so the observed line profile bifurcation suggests a strong bipolarity in the 56Ni distribution or in the line-forming region of the inner ejecta. The strongly bifurcated blueshifted and redshifted peaks are separated by ∼3 × 103 km s−1 and are roughly symmetrically positioned with respect to the host-galaxy rest frame, implying that the inner ejecta are composed of two almost-detached blobs. The red peak progressively weakens relative to the blue peak, and disappears in the 740 days spectrum. One possible reason for the line-ratio evolution is increasing differential extinction from continuous formation of dust within the envelope, which is also supported by the near-infrared flux excess that develops after ∼100 days.

The luminous late-time emission of the type-Ic supernova iPTF15dtg – evidence for powering from a magnetar?

Context. The transient iPTF15dtg is a type-Ic supernova (SN) showing a broad light curve around maximum light, consistent with massive ejecta if we assume a radioactive-powering scenario. Aims. We aim to study the late-time light curve of iPTF15dtg, which turned out to be extraordinarily luminous for a stripped-envelope (SE) SN, and investigate possible powering mechanisms. Methods. We compare the observed light curves to those of other SE SNe and also to models for the 56Co decay. We analyze and compare the spectra to nebular spectra of other SE SNe. We build a bolometric light curve and fit it with different models, including powering by radioactivity, magnetar powering, and a combination of the two. Results. Between 150 and 750 d post-explosion, the luminosity of iPTF15dtg declined by merely two magnitudes instead of the six magnitudes expected from 56Co decay. This is the first spectroscopically regular SE SN found to show this behavior. The model with both radioactivity and magnetar powering provides the best fit to the light curve and appears to be the most realistic powering mechanism. An alternative mechanism might be circumstellar-medium (CSM) interaction. However, the spectra of iPTF15dtg are very similar to those of other SE SNe, and do not show signs of strong CSM interaction. Conclusions. The object iPTF15dtg is the first spectroscopically regular SE SN whose light curve displays such clear signs of a magnetar contributing to its late-time powering. Given this result, the mass of the ejecta needs to be revised to a lower value, and therefore the progenitor mass could be significantly lower than the previously estimated &gt; 35 M⊙.

Extended optical/NIR observations of Type Iax supernova 2014dt: Possible signatures of a bound remnant

Abstract We present optical and near-infrared observations of the nearby Type Iax supernova (SN) 2014dt from 14 to 410 d after the maximum light. The velocities of the iron absorption lines in the early phase indicated that SN 2014dt showed slower expansion than the well-observed Type Iax SNe 2002cx, 2005hk, and 2012Z. In the late phase, the evolution of the light curve and that of the spectra were considerably slower. The spectral energy distribution kept roughly the same shape after ∼100 d, and the bolometric light curve flattened during the same period. These observations suggest the existence of an optically thick component that almost fully trapped the γ-ray energy from 56Co decay. These findings are consistent with the predictions of the weak deflagration model, leaving a bound white dwarf remnant after the explosion.

The Origin of the Ha-like Structure in Nebular Spectra of Type IIb Supernovae

Abstract We investigate the origin of the Hα-like structure seen in late-phase nebular spectra of type IIb supernovae (SNe IIb) at ∼200 days after the explosion. We compare the luminosities of the emission lines of the nebular spectra with the light curve peak magnitudes to reveal their power sources. In this work, we analyze 7 SNe IIb, as well as 2 SNe Ib (SN 2007Y and iPTF 13bvn), which show the Hα-like emission in their nebular spectra. The luminosity of the Hα-like emission shows a tight correlation with the light curve peak magnitude, sharing the same behavior as other nebular lines. This result indicates that the Hα-like emission is powered by the radiative decay of 56Co. The line flux is then expected to roughly follow the mass of the emitting layer. The variation expected from the diversity of the H-rich envelope mass among SNe IIb (reaching nearly to an order of magnitude) is however not seen, suggesting that it is most likely contributed predominantly by [N ii], not by Hα. While further analysis is limited by the available sample size, we find an indication that SNe IIb with a double-peak light curve, which is interpreted as an outcome of the more extended and massive hydrogen envelope, tend to show greater luminosity of the Hα-like feature than those with a single-peak light curve. This behavior indicates a possible additional contribution from Hα. Additionally, we also find a correlation between the [Ca ii]/[O i] ratio and the post-maximum decline rate, indicating that the [Ca ii]/[O i] can be used as a diagnostic for the progenitor mass.

Polarization of MeV gamma-rays and 511 keV line shape as probesof SNIa asymmetry and magnetic field

We discuss gamma-ray signatures associated with an asymmetric explosion and transport of positrons in SN Ia ejecta. In particular, Compton scattering of gamma-ray line photons can induce polarization in the continuum, which would be a direct probe of the asymmetries in the distribution of radioactive isotopes and/or of the scattering medium. Even more interesting would be a comparison of the shapes of $\gamma$-ray lines and that of the electron-positron annihilation line at 511 keV. The shapes of $\gamma$-ray lines associated with the decay of Co56 (e.g., lines at 847 and 1238 keV) directly reflect the velocity distribution of Co56. On the other hand, the 511 keV line arises from the annihilation of positions, which are also produced by the Co56 decay but can propagate through the ejecta before they slow down and annihilate. Therefore, the shape of the annihilation line might differ from other gamma-ray lines, providing constraints on the efficiency of positrons propagation through the ejecta and, as consequence, on the topology of magnetic fields in the ejecta and on the fraction of positrons that escape to the interstellar medium. We illustrate the above effects with two models aimed at capturing the main predicted signatures.

Light Curves of Hydrogen-poor Superluminous Supernovae from the Palomar Transient Factory

Abstract We investigate the light-curve properties of a sample of 26 spectroscopically confirmed hydrogen-poor superluminous supernovae (SLSNe-I) in the Palomar Transient Factory survey. These events are brighter than SNe Ib/c and SNe Ic-BL, on average, by about 4 and 2 mag, respectively. The peak absolute magnitudes of SLSNe-I in rest-frame g band span −22 ≲ M g ≲ −20 mag, and these peaks are not powered by radioactive 56Ni, unless strong asymmetries are at play. The rise timescales are longer for SLSNe than for normal SNe Ib/c, by roughly 10 days, for events with similar decay times. Thus, SLSNe-I can be considered as a separate population based on photometric properties. After peak, SLSNe-I decay with a wide range of slopes, with no obvious gap between rapidly declining and slowly declining events. The latter events show more irregularities (bumps) in the light curves at all times. At late times, the SLSN-I light curves slow down and cluster around the 56Co radioactive decay rate. Powering the late-time light curves with radioactive decay would require between 1 and 10 M ⊙ of Ni masses. Alternatively, a simple magnetar model can reasonably fit the majority of SLSNe-I light curves, with four exceptions, and can mimic the radioactive decay of 56Co, up to ∼400 days from explosion. The resulting spin values do not correlate with the host-galaxy metallicities. Finally, the analysis of our sample cannot strengthen the case for using SLSNe-I for cosmology.

Observations of SN 2015F Suggest a Correlation between the Intrinsic Luminosity of Type Ia Supernovae and the Shape of Their Light Curves &gt;900 Days after Explosion

Abstract The late-time light curves of Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia), observed &gt;900 days after explosion, present the possibility of a new diagnostic for SN Ia progenitor and explosion models. First, however, we must discover what physical process (or processes) leads to the slow-down of the light curve relative to a pure 56Co decay, as observed in SNe 2011fe, 2012cg, and 2014J. We present Hubble Space Telescope observations of SN 2015F, taken ≈600–1040 days past maximum light. Unlike those of the three other SNe Ia, the light curve of SN 2015F remains consistent with being powered solely by the radioactive decay of 56Co. We fit the light curves of these four SNe Ia in a consistent manner and measure possible correlations between the light-curve stretch—a proxy for the intrinsic luminosity of the SN—and the parameters of the physical model used in the fit. We propose a new, late-time Phillips-like correlation between the stretch of the SNe and the shape of their late-time light curves, which we parameterize as the difference between their pseudo-bolometric luminosities at 600 and 900 days: ΔL 900 = log(L 600/L 900). Our analysis is based on only four SNe, so a larger sample is required to test the validity of this correlation. If true, this model-independent correlation provides a new way to test which physical process lies behind the slow-down of SN Ia light curves &gt;900 days after explosion, and, ultimately, fresh constraints on the various SN Ia progenitor and explosion models.

OGLE14-073 – a promising pair-instability supernova candidate

The recently discovered bright type II supernova OGLE14-073 evolved very slowly. The light curve rose to maximum for 90 days from discovery and then declined at a rate compatible with the radioactive decay of 56Co. In this study, we show that a pair-instability supernova is a plausible mechanism for this event. We calculate explosion models and light curves with the radiation hydrodynamics code STELLA starting from two M(ZAMS) = 150 solar masses, Z=0.001 progenitors. We obtain satisfactory fits to OGLE14-073 broadband light curves by including additional 56Ni in the centre of the models and mixing hydrogen down into the inner layers of the ejecta to a radial mass coordinate of 10 solar masses. The extra 56Ni required points to a slightly more massive progenitor star. The mixing of hydrogen could be due to large scale mixing during the explosion. We also present synthetic spectra for our models simulated with the Monte Carlo radiative transfer code ARTIS. The synthetic spectra reproduce the main features of the observed spectra of OGLE14-073. We conclude that OGLE14-073 is one of the most promising candidates for a pair-instability explosion.