Kinetic Energy Of Explosion Research Articles

SN 2015da: late-time observations of a persistent superluminous Type IIn supernova with post-shock dust formation

ABSTRACT We present photometry and spectroscopy of the slowly evolving superluminous Type IIn supernova (SN) 2015da. SN 2015da is extraordinary for its very high peak luminosity, and also for sustaining a high luminosity for several years. Even at 8 yr after explosion, SN 2015da remains as luminous as the peak of a normal SN II-P. The total radiated energy integrated over this time period (with no bolometric correction) is at least $1.6 \times 10^{51}$ erg (or 1.6 FOE). Including a mild bolometric correction, adding kinetic energy of the expanding cold dense shell of swept-up circumstellar material (CSM), and accounting for asymmetry, the total explosion kinetic energy was likely 5–10 FOE. Powering the light curve with CSM interaction requires an energetic explosion and 20 M$_{\odot }$ of H-rich CSM, which in turn implies a massive progenitor system $\gt $30 M$_{\odot }$. Narrow P Cyg features show steady CSM expansion at 90 km s$^{-1}$, requiring a high average mass-loss rate of $\sim$0.1 M$_{\odot }$ yr$^{-1}$ sustained for two centuries before explosion (although ramping up toward explosion time). No current theoretical model for single-star pre-SN mass-loss can account for this. The slow CSM, combined with broad wings of H $\alpha$ indicating H-rich material in the unshocked ejecta, disfavours a pulsational pair instability model for the pre-SN mass-loss. Instead, violent pre-SN binary interaction is a likely culprit. Finally, SN 2015da exhibits the characteristic asymmetric blueshift in its emission lines from shortly after peak until the present epoch, adding another well-studied superluminous SNe IIn with unambiguous evidence of post-shock dust formation.

Hybrid Emission Modeling of GRB 221009A: Shedding Light on TeV Emission Origins in Long GRBs

Observations of long-duration gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) with TeV emission during their afterglow have been on the rise. Recently, GRB 221009A, the most energetic GRB ever observed, was detected by the Large High Altitude Air Shower Observatory experiment in the energy band 0.2–7 TeV. Here, we interpret its afterglow in the context of a hybrid model in which the TeV spectral component is explained by the proton-synchrotron process while the low-energy emission from optical to X-ray is due to synchrotron radiation from electrons. We constrained the model parameters using the observed optical, X-ray, and TeV data. By comparing the parameters of this burst and of GRB 190114C, we deduce that the VHE emission at energies ≥1 TeV in the GRB afterglow requires large explosion kinetic energy, E ≳ 1054 erg and a reasonable circumburst density, n ≳ 10 cm−3. This results in a small injection fraction of particles accelerated to a power law, ∼10−2. A significant fraction of shock energy must be allocated to a near equipartition magnetic field, ϵ B ∼ 10−1, while electrons should only carry a small fraction of this energy, ϵ e ∼ 10−3. Under these conditions required for a proton-synchrotron model, namely ϵ B ≫ ϵ e , the SSC component is substantially subdominant over proton-synchrotron as a source of TeV photons. These results lead us to suggest that proton-synchrotron process is a strong contender for the radiative mechanisms explaining GRB afterglows in the TeV band.

Supernova 2020wnt: An Atypical Superluminous Supernova with a Hidden Central Engine

We present observations of a peculiar hydrogen- and helium-poor stripped-envelope (SE) supernova (SN) 2020wnt, primarily in the optical and near-infrared (near-IR). Its peak absolute bolometric magnitude of −20.9 mag (L bol, peak = (6.8 ± 0.3) × 1043 erg s−1) and a rise time of 69 days are reminiscent of hydrogen-poor superluminous SNe (SLSNe I), luminous transients potentially powered by spinning-down magnetars. Before the main peak, there is a brief peak lasting <10 days post explosion, likely caused by interaction with circumstellar medium (CSM) ejected ∼years before the SN explosion. The optical spectra near peak lack a hot continuum and O ii absorptions, which are signs of heating from a central engine; they quantitatively resemble those of radioactivity-powered hydrogen/helium-poor Type Ic SESNe. At ∼1 yr after peak, nebular spectra reveal a blue pseudo-continuum and narrow O i recombination lines associated with magnetar heating. Radio observations rule out strong CSM interactions as the dominant energy source at +266 days post peak. Near-IR observations at +200–300 days reveal carbon monoxide and dust formation, which causes a dramatic optical light-curve dip. Pair-instability explosion models predict slow light curve and spectral features incompatible with observations. SN 2020wnt is best explained as a magnetar-powered core-collapse explosion of a 28 M ⊙ pre-SN star. The explosion kinetic energy is significantly larger than the magnetar energy at peak, effectively concealing the magnetar-heated inner ejecta until well after peak. SN 2020wnt falls into a continuum between normal SNe Ic and SLSNe I, and demonstrates that optical spectra at peak alone cannot rule out the presence of a central engine.

Modelling of SN 2013dx associated with the low-redshift GRB130702A points to diversity in GRB/SN properties

ABSTRACT The properties of the broad-lined Type Ic supernova (SN) 2013dx, associated with the long gamma-ray burst GRB 130702A at a redshift z = 0.145, are derived via spectral modelling. SN 2013dx was similar in luminosity to other GRB/SNe, with a derived value of the mass of 56Ni ejected in the explosion of ≈0.4 M⊙. However, its spectral properties suggest a smaller explosion kinetic energy. Radiation transport models were used to derive a plausible mass and density distribution of the SN ejecta in a one-dimensional approximation. While the mass ejected in the explosion that is obtained from the modelling (Mej ≈ 9 M⊙) is similar to that of all other well-studied GRB/SNe, the kinetic energy is significantly smaller (EK ∼ 1052 erg). This leads to a smaller EK/Mej ratio, ≈1051 erg/M⊙, which is reflected in the narrower appearance of the spectral lines. While the low EK does not represent a problem for the scenario in which magnetar energy aids powering the explosion and the nucleosynthesis, it is nevertheless highly unusual. SNe Ic with similar EK have never been seen in coincidence with a GRB, and no well-observed GRB/SN has shown similarly low EK and EK/Mej.

A Model for the Fast Blue Optical Transient AT2018cow: Circumstellar Interaction of a Pulsational Pair-instability Supernova

Abstract The fast blue optical transient (FBOT) ATLAS18qqn (AT2018cow) has a light curve as bright as that of superluminous supernovae (SLSNe) but rises and falls much faster. We model this light curve by circumstellar interaction of a pulsational pair-instability (PPI) supernova (SN) model based on our PPISN models studied in previous work. We focus on the 42 M ⊙ He star (core of a 80 M ⊙ star) which has circumstellar matter (CSM) of mass 0.50 M ⊙. With the parameterized mass cut and the kinetic energy of explosion E, we perform hydrodynamical calculations of nucleosynthesis and optical light curves of PPISN models. The optical light curve of the first ∼20 days of AT2018cow is well reproduced by the shock heating of CSM for the 42 M ⊙ He star with E = 5 × 1051 erg. After day 20, the light curve is reproduced by the radioactive decay of 0.6 M ⊙ 56 Co, which is a decay product of 56Ni in the explosion. We also examine how the light-curve shape depends on the various model parameters, such as CSM structure and composition. We also discuss (1) other possible energy sources and their constraints, (2) the origin of the observed high-energy radiation, and (3) how our result depends on the radiative transfer codes. Based on our successful model for AT2018cow and the model for SLSN with CSM mass as large as 20 M ⊙ , we propose the working hypothesis that PPISN produces SLSNe if the CSM is massive enough and FBOTs if CSM is less than ∼1 M ⊙.

The Carnegie Supernova Project II

We present multiwavelength observations of two gap transients that were followed by the Carnegie Supernova Project-II. The observations are supplemented with data obtained by a number of different programs. Here in the first of two papers, we focus on the intermediate-luminosity red transient (ILRT) designated SNhunt120, while in a companion paper we examine the luminous red novae AT 2014ej. Our data set for SNhunt120 consists of an early optical discovery, estimated to be within three days after outburst, the subsequent optical and near-infrared broadband followup extending over a period of about two months, two visual and two near-infrared wavelength spectra, and Spitzer Space Telescope observations extending from early (+28 d) to late (+1155 d) phases. SNhunt120 resembles other ILRTs such as NGC 300-2008-OT and SN 2008S, and like these other ILRTs, SNhunt120 exhibits prevalent mid-infrared emission at both early and late phases. From the comparison of SNhunt120 and other ILRTs to electron-capture supernova simulations, we find that the current models underestimate the explosion kinetic energy and thereby produce synthetic light curves that overestimate the luminosity. Finally, examination of pre-outburst Hubble Space Telescope images yields no progenitor detection.

The early stage of the thermal pulse explosions of aluminum nanowires under different energy deposition levels

Molecular dynamics simulations are performed to study the initial stage of the electrical explosions of Al nanowires in vacuum. The radial difference of wire expansion rate was observed in the early stages of the explosions. It is found that the wire radial expansion rate and the thermodynamic parameters interact with each other. We studied the time-varying thermodynamic parameters in the matched mode expansions, obtained the phase trajectories of wire material. Our results proved that the energy deposition levels dominate the explosion regime: when the energy ratio is less than 0.208, wire expansion will not develop into an explosion; phase explosion occurs under an underheated condition; supercritical explosion generally happens when the energy deposition is greater than the sublimation energy. We tracked the transformation trajectory of the deposited energy and found it is not preferentially transformed into the internal energy but simultaneously transformed into the explosion kinetic energy. As a result, even for the deposited energy reaching or exceeding the sublimation energy, material cannot be fully gasified. Finally, the deposition energy consumed by the internal energy has an upper limit: the sublimation energy.

SN 2012au: A GOLDEN LINK BETWEEN SUPERLUMINOUS SUPERNOVAE AND THEIR LOWER-LUMINOSITY COUNTERPARTS

We present optical and near-infrared observations of SN 2012au, a slow-evolving supernova (SN) with properties that suggest a link between subsets of energetic and H-poor SNe and superluminous SNe. SN 2012au exhibited conspicuous SN Ib-like He I lines and other absorption features at velocities reaching 2 x 10^4 km/s in its early spectra, and a broad light curve that peaked at M_B = -18.1 mag. Models of these data indicate a large explosion kinetic energy of 10^{52} erg and 56Ni mass ejection of 0.3 Msolar on par with SN 1998bw. SN 2012au's spectra almost one year after explosion show a blend of persistent Fe II P-Cyg absorptions and nebular emissions originating from two distinct velocity regions. These late-time emissions include strong [Fe II], [Ca II], [O I], Mg I], and Na I lines at velocities > 4500 km/s, as well as O I and Mg I lines at noticeably smaller velocities of 2000 km/s. Many of the late-time properties of SN 2012au are similar to the slow-evolving hypernovae SN 1997dq and SN 1997ef, and the superluminous SN 2007bi. Our observations suggest that a single explosion mechanism may unify all of these events that span -21 < M_B < -17 mag. The aspherical and possibly jetted explosion was most likely initiated by the core collapse of a massive progenitor star and created substantial high-density, low-velocity Ni-rich material.

The very energetic, broad-lined Type Ic supernova 2010ah (PTF10bzf) in the context of GRB/SNe

SN2010ah, a very broad-lined type Ic SN discovered by the Palomar Transient Factory, was interesting because of its relatively high luminosity and the high velocity of the absorption lines, which was comparable to that of GRB/SNe, suggesting a high explosion kinetic energy. However, no GRB was detected in association with the SN. Here, the properties of SN2010ah are determined with higher accuracy than previous studies through modelling. New Subaru telescope photometry is presented. A bolometric light curve is constructed taking advantage of the spectral similarity with SN1998bw. Radiation transport tools are used to reproduce the spectra and the light curve. The results thus obtained regarding ejecta mass, composition and kinetic energy are then used to compute a synthetic light curve. This is in reasonable agreement with the early bolometric light curve of SN2010ah, but a high abundance of 56Ni at high velocity is required to reproduce the early rise, while a dense inner core must be used to reproduce the slow decline at late phases. The high-velocity 56Ni cannot have been located on our line of sight, which may be indirect evidence for an off-axis, aspherical explosion. The main properties of SN2010ah are: ejected mass ~ 3 Mo; kinetic energy ~10^52 erg, M(56Ni) ~ 0.25 Mo. The mass located at v >~ 0.1c is ~0.2 Mo. Although these values, in particular the kinetic energy, are quite large for a SN Ic, they are all smaller (especially the ejecta mass) than those typical of GRB/SNe. This confirms the tendency for these quantities to correlate, and suggests that there are minimum requirements for a GRB/SN, which SN2010ah may not meet although it comes quite close. Depending on whether a neutron star or a black hole was formed following core collapse, SN2010ah was the explosion of a CO core of ~ 5-6 Mo, pointing to a progenitor mass of ~24 - 28 Mo.

The nebular spectra of the Type Ia supernova 1991bg: further evidence of a non-standard explosion

Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) come in a large range of luminosities, as determined mostly by the amount of 56Ni produced in the explosion. Nevertheless, they can be normalized and used as standard candles, which suggests that they share a similar origin. The thermonuclear explosion of a Chandrasekhar-mass (MCh) white dwarf accreting mass from a main sequence or red giant companion (the single degenerate scenario) is a favourite configuration, but the presence of SNe Ia that result from the merging of two white dwarfs of total mass exceeding MCh is supported by rate studies. SNe of the spectroscopically peculiar 1991bg class are the least luminous SNe Ia. They produce ∼0.1 M⊙ of 56Ni, which is difficult to reconcile with hydrodynamic explosion models. Here, the properties of the inner ejecta of SN 1991bg are investigated by means of synthetic nebular spectroscopy. In order to reproduce the transformation of the spectra from broader, [Fe ii]+[Fe iii] lines at day ∼120 to narrow, [Fe iii] lines at day ≳210, the innermost region must deviate significantly in density from the prediction of MCh models. In particular, a substantially lower density is required in the innermost ≈3000 km s−1 in order to provide the needed increase of ionization with time. This leads to a mass deficit of ∼0.15 M⊙ in the region inside ≈3000 km s−1 with respect to MCh models, and points to a different type of explosion. Early-time studies require a low explosion kinetic energy and lack of burning products in the outer layers. When combined with the results from this paper, the merger scenario may be a viable candidate for 1991bg-like SNe.

RESOLUTION OF THE COMPACT RADIO CONTINUUM SOURCES IN Arp220

We present 2 cm and 3.6 cm wavelength very long baseline interferometry images of the compact radio continuum sources in the nearby ultra-luminous infrared galaxy Arp220. Based on their radio spectra and variability properties, we confirm these sources to be a mixture of supernovae (SNe) and supernova remnants (SNRs). Of the 17 detected sources we resolve 7 at both wavelengths. The SNe generally only have upper size limits. In contrast all the SNRs are resolved with diameters {\geq} 0.27 pc. This size limit is consistent with them having just entered their Sedov phase while embedded in an interstellar medium (ISM) of density 10^4 cm^{-3} . These objects lie on the diameter-luminosity correlation for SNRs (and so also on the diameter-surface brightness relation) and extend these correlations to very small sources. The data are consistent with the relation L {\propto} D^{-9/4}. Revised equipartition arguments adjusted to a magnetic field to relativistic particle energy density ratio of 1% combined with a reasonable synchrotron-emitting volume filling factor of 10% give estimated magnetic field strengths in the SNR shells of ~ 15-50 mG. The SNR shell magnetic fields are unlikely to come from compression of ambient ISM fields and must instead be internally generated. We set an upper limit of 7 mG for the ISM magnetic field. The estimated energy in relativistic particles, 2%-20% of the explosion kinetic energy, is consistent with estimates from models that fit the IR-radio correlation in compact starburst galaxies.

SPECTRAL EVOLUTION OF THE EXTRAORDINARY TYPE IIn SUPERNOVA 2006gy

We present a detailed analysis of the extremely luminous Type IIn supernova SN2006gy using spectra obtained between days 36 and 237 after explosion. We derive the temporal evolution of the effective temperature, radius, expansion speeds, and bolometric luminosity, as well as the progenitor wind density and total swept-up mass overtaken by the shock. SN2006gy can be interpreted in the context of shock interaction with a dense CSM, but with quite extreme values for the CSM mass of 20 Msun and an explosion kinetic energy of at least 5e51 erg. A key difference between SN2006gy and other SNeIIn is that, owing to its large CSM mass, the interaction region remained opaque much longer. At early times, H-alpha widths suggest that the photosphere is ahead of the shock, and photons diffuse out through the opaque CSM. The pivotal transition to optically thin emission begins around day 110, when we start to see a decrease in the blackbody radius and strengthening tracers of the post-shock shell. From the evolution of pre-shock velocities, we deduce that the CSM was ejected by the progenitor in a 1e49 erg precursor event 8yr before explosion. The large CSM mass rules out models involving stars with initial masses around 10Msun. With the full mass budget, even massive M_ZAMS=30-40 Msun progenitor stars are inadequate. At roughly solar metallicity, substantial mass loss probably occurred during the star's life, so SN 2006gy's progenitor is more consistent with LBV eruptions or pulsational pair-instability ejections in stars with initial masses above 100 Msun. This requires significant revision to current paradigms of massive-star evolution. (abridged)

SN 2003bg: A BROAD-LINED TYPE IIb SUPERNOVA WITH HYDROGEN

Models for the spectra and the light curve, in the photospheric as well as in the late nebular phase, are used to infer the properties of the very radio-bright, broad-lined type IIb Supernova 2003bg. Consistent fits to the light curve and the spectral evolution are obtained with an explosion that ejected ~ 4 M_sun of material with a kinetic energy of ~ 5 10^51 erg. A thin layer of hydrogen, comprising ~ 0.05 M_sun, is inferred to be present in the ejecta at the highest velocities (v >~ 9000 km/s), while a thicker helium layer, comprising ~ 1.25 M_sun, was ejected at velocities between 6500 and 9000 km/s. At lower velocities, heavier elements are present, including ~ 0.2 M_sun of 56Ni that shape the light curve and the late-time nebular spectra. These values suggest that the progenitor star had a mass of ~ 20-25 M_sun (comparable to, but maybe somewhat smaller than that of the progenitor of the XRF/SN 2008D). The rather broad-lined early spectra are the result of the presence of a small amount of material (~ 0.03 M_sun) at velocities > 0.1 c, which carries ~ 10 % of the explosion kinetic energy. No clear signatures of a highly aspherical explosion are detected.

SN 1998bw and Other Hyperenergetic Type Ic Supernovae

SummaryThe properties of the best-observed peculiar, SN 1998bw-like Type Ic supernovae (sometimes called “hypernovae” ) are reviewed, starting from SN 1998bw itself and including SNe 1997ef and 2002ap. Analysis of the light curves and the spectra shows that, while these SNe display a range of properties (kinetic energy, mass of the ejecta, mass of 56Ni synthesized in the explosion), they have in common a larger-than-normal explosion kinetic energy, giving rise to the characteristic broad-lined spectra. Also, they all come from the collapse of bare CO cores of massive ( ≳ 20M⊙) progenitor stars. Some of the properties of these SNe, such as kinetic energy and mass of 56Ni, are probably correlated with the mass of the progenitor. Evidence that these powerful events are intrinsically asymmetric, suggesting that a correlation with at least some gamma-ray bursts can be expected, is also discussed.

The Type Ic Hypernova SN 2003dh/GRB 030329

The spectra of SN 2003dh, identified in the afterglow of GRB030329, are modeled using radiation transport codes. It is shown that SN 2003dh had a high explosion kinetic energy ($\sim 4 \times 10^{52}$ erg in spherical symmetry), making it one of the most powerful hypernovae observed so far, and supporting the case for association between hypernovae and Gamma Ray Bursts. However, the light curve derived from fitting the spectra suggests that SN 2003dh was not as bright as SN 1998bw, ejecting only $\sim 0.35\Msun$ of \Nifs. The spectra of SN 2003dh resemble those of SN 1998bw around maximum, but later they look more like those of the less energetic hypernova SN 1997ef. The spectra and the inferred light curve can be modeled adopting a density distribution similar to that used for SN 1998bw at $ v > 25,000$\kms but more like that of SN 1997ef at lower velocities. The mass of the ejecta is $\sim 8\Msun$, somewhat less than in the other two hypernovae. The progenitor must have been a massive star ($M \sim 35-40\Msun$), as for other hypernovae. The need to combine different one-dimensional explosion models strongly indicates that SN 2003dh was an asymmetric explosion.

On the Spectrum and Spectropolarimetry of Type Ic Hypernova SN 2003dh/GRB 030329

Spectroscopic and spectropolarimetric observations of SN 2003dh/GRB 030329 obtained in 2003 May using the Subaru 8.2 m Telescope are presented. The properties of the supernova (SN) are investigated through a comparison with spectra of the Type Ic hypernovae SN 1997ef and SN 1998bw (hypernovae being a tentatively defined class of SNe with very broad absorption features: these features suggest a large velocity of the ejected material and possibly a large explosion kinetic energy). Comparison with spectra of other hypernovae shows that the spectrum of SN 2003dh obtained on 2003 May 8 and 9, i.e., 34-35 rest-frame days after the gamma-ray burst (GRB; for z = 0.1685), are similar to those of SN 1997ef obtained ~34-42 days after the fiducial time of explosion of that SN. The match with SN 1998bw spectra is not as good (at rest 7300-8000 A), but again spectra obtained ~33-43 days after GRB 980425 are preferred. This indicates that the SN may have intermediate properties between SNe 1997ef and 1998bw. On the basis of the analogy with the other hypernovae, the time of explosion of SN 2003dh is then constrained to be between -8 and +2 days of the GRB. The Si and O P Cygni lines of SN 2003dh seem comparable to those of SN 1997ef, which suggests that the ejected mass in SN 2003dh may match that in SN 1997ef. Polarization was marginally detected at optical wavelengths. This is consistent with measurements of the late afterglow, implying that it originated mostly in the interstellar medium of the host galaxy.

A Spectroscopic Analysis of the Energetic Type Ic Hypernova SN 1997ef

The properties of the bright and energetic Type Ic SN 1997ef are investigated using a Monte Carlo spectrum synthesis code. Analysis of the earliest spectra is used to determine the time of outburst. The changing features of the spectrum and the light curve are used to probe the ejecta and to determine their composition, verifying the results of explosion calculations. Since synthetic spectra computed using our best explosion model, CO100, are only moderately good reproductions of the observations, the inverse approach is adopted, and a density structure is derived by demanding that it gives the best possible fit to the observed spectrum at every epoch analyzed. It is found that the density structure of model CO100 is adequate at intermediate velocities (5000-25,000 km s-1), but that a slower density decline (ρ ∝ r-4) is required to obtain the extensive line blending at high velocities (25,000-50,000 km s-1) that is the characterizing feature of this and other energetic Type Ic Supernovae. Also, the inner hole in the density predicted by the model is found not to be compatible with the observed evolution of the spectrum, which reaches very low photospheric velocities at epochs of about 2 months. The best-fit density distribution results in somewhat different parameters for the SN, namely an ejecta mass of 9.6 M☉ (vs. 7.6 M☉ in CO100) and an explosion kinetic energy of 1.75 × 1052 ergs (vs. 8 × 1051 ergs in CO100). This revised value of the kinetic energy brings SN 1997ef closer to the value for the prototypical Type Ic hypernova SN 1998bw. The abundance distribution of model CO100 is found to hold well. The modified density structure is used to compute a synthetic light curve, which is found to agree very well with the observed bolometric light curve around maximum. The amount of radioactive 56Ni produced by the SN is confirmed at 0.13 M☉. In the context of an axisymmetric explosion, a somewhat smaller kinetic energy than that of SN 1998bw may have resulted from the nonalignment of the symmetry axis of the SN and the line of sight. This might also explain the lack of evidence for a gamma-ray burst correlated with SN 1997ef.

Radio emission from young supernova remnants. II - Evolution and dependence on characteristics of the progenitor and the external medium

During the evolution of a supernova remnant (SNR), some of the explosion energy is converted to relativistic electron energy at the shock front; and, to the extent that the circumstellar medium (CSM) is clumpy, turbulent dynamo processes associated with the growth of Rayleigh-Taylor (R-T) fingers convert explosion kinetic energy into magnetic field energy. Phenomenological descriptions of these processes have been incorporated into a one-dimensional, spherical hydrodynamics program. Input parameters used in the calculations included the explosion energy, the mean CSM density, and various characteristics of the clump CSM

Energy partition in the 1982 eruption of El Chichon volcano, Chiapas, Mexico

The 1982 eruption of El Chichon volcano, Chiapas, Mexico has been extensively investigated from various standpoints, including seismicity, tephra geology, atmospheric effects and tectonic structure. In this paper, the six largest of a series of explosions are isolated, considering various sources of information. Then, the seismic energy released by volcanic earthquakes and tremor is estimated using seismograms of low magnification in order to avoid saturation of seismic wave amplitudes. The explosion kinetic energy is evaluated by two methods: one by the initial velocity of the ejecta and the other by the air wave data recorded at a distance. Both the results are roughly coincident. The thermal energy is classified into two components: that transferred by volcanic ejecta and that consumed by convective clouds. The thermal energy released by the explosions is very large compared with that of mechanical energy, such as the seismic energy and explosion kinetic energy. After the last major explosion of April 4, A-type volcanic earthquakes swarmed till the end of April. Their occurrence rate decreased with time in an aftershock-like sequence. These earthquake swarms may have been due to post-eruptive readjustment of the stress field within and near the volcano. Such seismic activity contrasts with other examples of similar major eruptions, which were followed by growth of lava domes in the new craters after the paroxysmal eruptions. The 1982 eruption of El Chichon volcano has not been followed by the growth of a lava dome within the newly formed crater.

The Hubble constant from nickel radioactivity in type IA supernovae

On the assumptions that Type Ia supernovae are thermonuclear disruptions of carbon-oxygen white dwarfs near the Chandrasekhar mass, that their light curves are powered by the radioactive decay of 56 Ni and 56 Co, and that scatter in their peak luminosities can be disregarded, the ejected nickel mass, the peak luminosity, and the value of the Hubble constant are estimated. The nickel mass is constrained by the direct spectroscopic detection of elements of intermediate mass and by the explosion kinetic energy as inferred from the spectroscopic velocities. The peak luminosity follows from the nickel mass and the rise time to maximum light. The luminosity, combined with the observational Hubble diagram for Type Ia supernovae, corresponds to a Hubble constant of 61 ± 10 km/(s × Mpc)