Ic Supernovae Research Articles

CORE-COLLAPSE SUPERNOVAE FROM THE PALOMAR TRANSIENT FACTORY: INDICATIONS FOR A DIFFERENT POPULATION IN DWARF GALAXIES

We use the first compilation of 72 core-collapse supernovae (SNe) from the Palomar Transient Factory (PTF) to study their observed subtype distribution in dwarf galaxies compared to giant galaxies. Our sample is the largest single-survey, untargeted, spectroscopically classified, homogeneous collection of core-collapse events ever assembled, spanning a wide host-galaxy luminosity range (down to M_r ~ -14 mag) and including a substantial fraction (>20%) of dwarf (M_r >= -18 mag) hosts. We find more core-collapse SNe in dwarf galaxies than expected and several interesting trends emerge. We use detailed subclassifications of stripped-envelope core-collapse SNe and find that all Type I core-collapse events occurring in dwarf galaxies are either SNe Ib or broad-lined SNe Ic (SNe Ic-BL), while "normal" SNe Ic dominate in giant galaxies. We also see a significant excess of SNe IIb in dwarf hosts. We hypothesize that in lower metallicity hosts, metallicity-driven mass loss is reduced, allowing massive stars that would have appeared as "normal" SNe Ic in metal-rich galaxies to retain some He and H, exploding as Ib/IIb events. At the same time, another mechanism allows some stars to undergo extensive stripping and explode as SNe Ic-BL (and presumably also as long-duration gamma-ray bursts). Our results are still limited by small-number statistics, and our measurements of the observed N(Ib/c)/N(II) number ratio in dwarf and giant hosts (0.25_{-0.15}^{+0.3} and 0.23_{-0.08}^{+0.11}, respectively; 1 sigma uncertainties) are consistent with previous studies and theoretical predictions. As additional PTF data accumulate, more robust statistical analyses will be possible, allowing the evolution of massive stars to be probed via the dwarf-galaxy SN population.

NON-THERMAL PHOTON PRODUCTION VIA BULK COMPTONIZATION AT SUPERNOVA SHOCK BREAKOUT

We investigate roles of the bulk comptonization process in the propagation of thermal photons emitted at the shock breakout of a supernova explosion. We use a hydrodynamical model based on a self-similar solution for the shock breakout. The propagation of photons is treated by a Monte-Carlo technique. Results of the simulations successfully reproduce the power-law spectrum observed by X-ray observations for XRF 080109/SN 2008D, if a mildly relativistic shock velocity is assumed. Effects of some radiative processes, photoionization, radiative recombination, and free-free absorption on the propagation of emitted photons are also investigated. It is found that none of them hardly changes the spectrum regarding the progenitor stars of type Ib or Ic supernovae. Light curves calculated under the assumption of a spherical explosion indicate that the progenitor radius is required to be $/sim 10^{13}$ cm.

Do Wolf-Rayet stars have similar locations in hosts as type Ib/c supernovae and long gamma-ray bursts?

Aims: We study the distribution of Wolf-Rayet (WR) stars and their subtypes with respect to their host galaxy light distribution. We thus want to investigate whether WR stars are potential progenitors of stripped-envelope core-collapse supernovae (SNe) and/or long-duration gamma-ray bursts (LGRBs). Methods: We derived the relative surface brightness (fractional flux) at the locations of WR stars and compared with similar results for LGRBs and SNe. We examined two nearby galaxies, M 83 and NGC 1313, for which a comprehensive study of the WR population exists. These two galaxies contain a sufficiently large number of WR stars and sample different metallicities. To enable the comparison, the images of the galaxies were processed to make them appear as they would look at a higher redshift. The robustness of our results against several sources of uncertainty was investigated with the aid of Monte Carlo simulations. Results: We find that the WC star distribution favours brighter pixels than the WN star population. WC stars are more likely drawn from the same distribution as SNe Ic than from other SN distributions, while WN stars show a higher degree of association with SNe Ib. It can also not be excluded that WR (especially WC) stars are related to LGRBs. Some differences between the two galaxies do exist, especially in the subtype distributions, and may stem from differences in metallicity. Conclusions: Although a conclusive answer is not possible, the expectation that WR stars are the progenitors of SNe Ib/c and LGRBs survives this test. The trend observed between the distributions of WN and WC stars, as compared to those of SNe Ib and Ic, is consistent with the theoretical picture that SNe Ic result from progenitors that have been stripped of a larger part of their envelope.

A CORE-COLLAPSE SUPERNOVA MODEL FOR THE EXTREMELY LUMINOUS TYPE Ic SUPERNOVA 2007bi: AN ALTERNATIVE TO THE PAIR-INSTABILITY SUPERNOVA MODEL

We present a core-collapse supernova (SN) model for the extremely luminous Type Ic SN 2007bi. By performing numerical calculations of hydrodynamics, nucleosynthesis, and radiation transport, we find that SN 2007bi is consistent with the core-collapse SN explosion of a 43 M☉ carbon and oxygen core obtained from the evolution of a progenitor star with a main-sequence mass of 100 M☉ and metallicity of Z = Z☉/200, from which its hydrogen and helium envelopes are artificially stripped. The ejecta mass and the ejecta kinetic energy of the models are 40 M☉ and 3.6 × 1052 erg. The ejected 56Ni mass is as large as 6.1 M☉, which results from the explosive nucleosynthesis with large explosion energy. We also confirm that SN 2007bi is consistent with a pair-instability SN model as has recently been claimed. We show that the earlier light-curve data can discriminate between the models for such luminous SNe.

Magnetized relativistic jets and long-duration GRBs from magnetar spin-down during core-collapse supernovae

We use ideal axisymmetric relativistic magnetohydrodynamic simulations to calculate the spindown of a newly formed millisecond, B ~ 10^{15} G, magnetar and its interaction with the surrounding stellar envelope during a core-collapse supernova (SN) explosion. The mass, angular momentum, and rotational energy lost by the neutron star are determined self-consistently given the thermal properties of the cooling neutron star's atmosphere and the wind's interaction with the surrounding star. The magnetar drives a relativistic magnetized wind into a cavity created by the outgoing SN shock. For high spindown powers (~ 10^{51}-10^{52} ergs/s), the magnetar wind is super-fast at almost all latitudes, while for lower spindown powers (~ 10^{50} erg/s), the wind is sub-fast but still super-Alfvenic. In all cases, the rates at which the neutron star loses mass, angular momentum, and energy are very similar to the corresponding free wind values (<~ 30% differences), in spite of the causal contact between the neutron star and the stellar envelope. In addition, in all cases that we consider, the magnetar drives a collimated (~5-10 deg.) relativistic jet out along the rotation axis of the star. Nearly all of the spindown power of the neutron star escapes via this polar jet, rather than being transferred to the more spherical SN explosion. The properties of this relativistic jet and its expected late-time evolution in the magnetar model are broadly consistent with observations of long duration gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) and their associated broad-lined Type Ic SN.

Host galaxies of type Ibc supernovae

We draw up a list of type Ib and Ic supernovae and construct the distributions of morphological types, luminosity classes, and axial ratios of their host galaxies, which we compare to similar distributions for type II supernovae. Our analysis reveals no significant statistical differences between these distributions and demonstrates that the samples of host galaxies of SNe Ibc and SNe II can be regarded as drawn from the same parent population.

Using Spatial Distributions to Constrain Progenitors of Supernovae and Gamma‐Ray Bursts

We carry out a comprehensive theoretical examination of the relationship between the spatial distribution of optical transients and the properties of their progenitor stars. By constructing analytic models of star-forming galaxies and the evolution of stellar populations within them, we are able to place constraints on candidate progenitors for core-collapse supernovae (SNe), long-duration gamma ray bursts, and supernovae Ia. In particular we first construct models of spiral galaxies that reproduce observations of core-collapse SNe, and we use these models to constrain the minimum mass for SNe Ic progenitors to approximately 25 solar masses. Secondly, we lay out the parameters of a dwarf irregular galaxy model, which we use to show that the progenitors of long-duration gamma-ray bursts are likely to have masses above approximately 43 solar masses. Finally, we introduce a new method for constraining the time scale associated with SNe Ia and apply it to our spiral galaxy models to show how observations can better be analyzed to discriminate between the leading progenitor models for these objects.

The Metamorphosis of Supernova SN 2008D/XRF 080109: A Link Between Supernovae and GRBs/Hypernovae

The only supernovae (SNe) to show gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) or early x-ray emission thus far are overenergetic, broad-lined type Ic SNe (hypernovae, HNe). Recently, SN 2008D has shown several unusual features: (i) weak x-ray flash (XRF), (ii) an early, narrow optical peak, (iii) disappearance of the broad lines typical of SN Ic HNe, and (iv) development of helium lines as in SNe Ib. Detailed analysis shows that SN 2008D was not a normal supernova: Its explosion energy (E approximately 6x10(51) erg) and ejected mass [ approximately 7 times the mass of the Sun (M(middle dot in circle))] are intermediate between normal SNe Ibc and HNe. We conclude that SN 2008D was originally a approximately 30 M(middle dot in circle) star. When it collapsed, a black hole formed and a weak, mildly relativistic jet was produced, which caused the XRF. SN 2008D is probably among the weakest explosions that produce relativistic jets. Inner engine activity appears to be present whenever massive stars collapse to black holes.

CONSTRAINTS ON THE MASSIVE SUPERNOVA PROGENITORS

The generally-accepted scheme distinguishes two main classes of supernovae (SNe): Ia resulting from the old stellar population (deflagration of a white dwarf in close binary systems), and SNe of type II and Ib/c whose ancestors are young massive stars (died in a core-collapse explosion). Concerning the latter, there are suggestions that the SNe II are connected to early B stars, and SNe Ib/c to isolated O or Wolf–Rayet (W–R) stars. However, little or no effort was made to further separate SNe Ib from Ic. We have used assumed SN rates for different SN types in spiral galaxies in an attempt to perform this task. If the isolated progenitor hypothesis is correct, our analysis indicates that SNe Ib result from stars of main-sequence mass [Formula: see text], while the progenitors of SNe Ic are more massive stars with [Formula: see text]. Alternatively, if the majority of SNe Ib/c appear in close binary systems (CBs) then they would result from the same progenitor population as most of the SNe II, i.e. early B stars with initial masses of order [Formula: see text]. Future observations of SNe at high-redshift (z) and their rate will provide us with unique information on SN progenitors and the star-formation history of galaxies. At higher-z (deeper in the cosmic past), we expect to see the lack of type Ia events, i.e. the dominance of core-collapse SNe. Better understanding of the stripped-envelope SNe (Ib/c), and their potential use as distance indicators at high-z, would therefore be of great practical importance.

Late stages of the evolution of close compact binaries: Type I supernovae, gamma-ray bursts, and supersoft X-ray sources

We consider the evolution of close binaries resulting in the most intensive explosive phenomena in the stellar Universe—Type Ia supernovae and gamma-ray bursts. For Type Ia supernovae, which represent thermonuclear explosions of carbon-oxygen dwarfs whose masses reach the Chandrasekhar limit during the accretion of matter from the donor star, we derive the conditions for the accumulation of the limiting mass by the degenerate dwarf in the close binary. Accretion onto the degenerate dwarf can be accompanied by supersoft X-ray radiation with luminosity 1–104 L ⊙. Gamma-ray bursts are believe to accompany the formation and rapid evolution of compact accretion-decretion disks during the formation of relativistic objects—black holes and neutron stars. The rapid (∼1 M ⊙/s) accretion of matter from these disks onto the central compact relativistic star results in an energy release of ∼0.1 M ⊙ c 2 ∼ 1053 erg in the form of gamma-rays and neutrinos over a time of 0.1–1000 s. Such disks can form via the collapse of the rapidly rotating cores of Type Ib, Ic supernovae, which are components in extremely close binaries, or alternately due to the collapse of accreting oxygen-neon degenerate dwarfs with the Chandrasekhar mass into neutron stars, or the merging of neutron stars with neutron stars or black holes in close binaries. We present numerical models of the evolution of some close binaries that result in Type Ia supernovae, and also estimate the rates of these supernovae (∼0.003/year) and of gamma-ray bursts (∼10−4/year) in our Galaxy for various evolutionary scenarios. The collimation of the gamma-ray burst radiation within an opening angle of several degrees “matches” the latter estimate with the observed rate of these events, ∼10−7–10−8/year calculated for a galaxy with the mass of our Galaxy.

A giant outburst two years before the core-collapse of a massive star

The death of massive stars produces a variety of supernovae, which are linked to the structure of the exploding stars. The detection of several precursor stars of type II supernovae has been reported (see, for example, ref. 3), but we do not yet have direct information on the progenitors of the hydrogen-deficient type Ib and Ic supernovae. Here we report that the peculiar type Ib supernova SN 2006jc is spatially coincident with a bright optical transient that occurred in 2004. Spectroscopic and photometric monitoring of the supernova leads us to suggest that the progenitor was a carbon-oxygen Wolf-Rayet star embedded within a helium-rich circumstellar medium. There are different possible explanations for this pre-explosion transient. It appears similar to the giant outbursts of luminous blue variable stars (LBVs) of 60-100 solar masses, but the progenitor of SN 2006jc was helium- and hydrogen-deficient (unlike LBVs). An LBV-like outburst of a Wolf-Rayet star could be invoked, but this would be the first observational evidence of such a phenomenon. Alternatively, a massive binary system composed of an LBV that erupted in 2004, and a Wolf-Rayet star exploding as SN 2006jc, could explain the observations.

No supernovae detected in two long-duration gamma-ray bursts

There is strong evidence that long-duration gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) are produced during the collapse of a massive star. In the standard version of the collapsar model, a broad-lined and luminous Type Ic core-collapse supernova (SN) accompanies the GRB. This association has been confirmed in observations of several nearby GRBs. Recent observations show that some long-duration GRBs are different. No SN emission accompanied the long-duration GRBs 060505 and 060614 down to limits fainter than any known Type Ic SN and hundreds of times fainter than the archetypal SN 1998bw that accompanied GRB 980425. Multi-band observations of the early afterglows, as well as spectroscopy of the host galaxies, exclude the possibility of significant dust obscuration. Furthermore, the bursts originated in star-forming galaxies, and in the case of GRB 060505, the burst was localized to a compact star-forming knot in a spiral arm of its host galaxy. We find that the properties of the host galaxies, the long duration of the bursts and, in the case of GRB 060505, the location of the burst within its host, all imply a massive stellar origin. The absence of an SN to such deep limits therefore suggests a new phenomenological type of massive stellar death.

Circumstellar Emission from Type Ib and Ic Supernovae

The presumed Wolf-Rayet star progenitors of Type Ib/c supernovae have fast, low-density winds, and the shock waves generated by the supernova interaction with the wind are not expected to be radiative at typical times of observation. The injected energy spectrum of radio-emitting electrons typically has an observed index p = 3, which is suggestive of acceleration in cosmic-ray-dominated shocks. The early, absorbed part of the radio light curves can be attributed to synchrotron self-absorption, which leads to constraints on the magnetic field in the emitting region and on the circumstellar density. The range of circumstellar densities inferred from the radio emission is somewhat broader than that for Galactic Wolf-Rayet stars, if similar efficiencies of synchrotron emission are assumed in the extragalactic supernovae. For the observed and expected ranges of circumstellar densities to roughly overlap, a high efficiency of magnetic field production in the shocked region is required (B ≈ 0.1). For the expected densities around a Wolf-Rayet star, a nonthermal mechanism is generally required to explain the observed X-ray luminosities of Type Ib/c supernovae. Inverse Compton emission is a candidate for the emission, if the observations are near optical maximum. In other cases we suggest that the mechanism is X-ray synchrotron emission in a situation in which the shock wave is cosmic-ray-dominated so that the electron energy spectrum flattens at high energy. More comprehensive X-ray observations of a Type Ib/c supernova are needed to determine whether this suggestion is correct.

Optical Observations of Core-Collapse Supernovae

I present an overview of optical observations of Type II, IIb, Ib, and Ic supernovae (SNe), all of which are thought to arise from core collapse in massive progenitors that have previously experienced different amounts of mass loss. SNe Ic appear to have been stripped the most, followed by SNe Ib and SNe IIb. In the case of SNe Iln, part of the hydrogen envelope remains, yet the ejecta interact with unusually dense circumstellar gas, probably a wind from the progenitor star. Some SNe IIn, however, might not be genuine supernovae, but rather super-outbursts of luminous variable stars. Spectropolarimetry of core-collapse SNe reveals that asphericity tends to increase toward the core. It has recently been shown that several long-duration gamma-ray bursts were undeniably associated with peculiar SNe Ic having exceptionally high ejecta velocities.

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 &amp; Vanbeveren 1998).

Optical, Ultraviolet, and Infrared Observations of SN 1993J

SummaryWe review the existing set of optical/UV/IR observations of Supernova 1993J, concentrating heavily on optical data because these are by far the most plentiful. Some results from theoretical modeling of the observations are also discussed. SN 1993J has provided the best observational evidence for the transformation of a SN from one spectral type to another, thereby providing a link between Type II and Type Ib supernovae (SNe). This has strengthened the argument that SNe Ib (and, by extension, SNe Ic) are core-collapse events. SN 1993J has remained relatively bright for 10 years; its late-time emission comes from the collision of supernova ejecta with circumstellar gas that was released by the progenitor prior to the explosion. The circumstellar material shows strong evidence of CNO processing.

Optical Bumps in Cosmological GRBs as Supernovae

SummaryFrom both photometric and broadband spectral monitoring of γ-ray burst (GRB) lightcurve “bumps,” particularly in GRB 011121, a strong case grew for a supernova (SN) origin. The GRB-SN connection was finally solidified beyond a reasonable doubt with the discovery that the bump in GRB 030329 was spectroscopically similar to a bright Type Ic SN. In light of this result, I re-assess the previous SN bump claims and conclude that: 1) the distribution of GRB-SN bump peak magnitudes is consistent with the local Type Ib/c SNe peak distribution and 2) the late-time bumps in all long-duration GRBs are likely supernovae.

Supernova Light-Curve Models for the Bump in the Optical Counterpart of X-Ray Flash 030723

XRF 030723 is the first X-ray flash (XRF) to show in its optical light curve (LC) a bump that has been interpreted as the signature of a supernova (SN). After subtracting the afterglow component from the observed optical LC of the XRF counterpart, the properties of the putative SN are constrained by means of synthetic LCs of core-collapse SNe. For the redshift range $z \sim 0.3$ -- 1, all possible models require a rather small mass of synthesized \Nifs, i.e. $M$(\Nifs) $\sim$ 0.01 -- 0.3 $\Msun$. The models used to describe the energetic SNe Ic associated with gamma-ray bursts (SNe 1998bw and 2003dh) are too massive for the observed LC. If the relation between ejected \Nifs mass and total ejecta mass established from models of various Type Ic SNe also holds for the putative SN in XRF 030723, the ejecta mass is constrained to be $\sim$ 1 -- 3 $\Msun$ and the kinetic energy $\lsim 1\times 10^{52}$ erg. This corresponds to a progenitor with $15\Msun \lesssim M_{\rm MS}\lesssim 25\Msun$. The SN therefore appears to have properties intermediate between a normal SN Ic like SN 1994I and a more energetic object like SN 2002ap.

Photometric Identification of Young Stripped‐Core Supernovae

ABSTRACTWe present a method designed to identify the spectral type of young (less than ∼30 days after explosion) and nearby (z≲0.05) supernovae (SNe) using their broadband colors. In particular, we show that stripped‐core SNe (i.e., hydrogen‐deficient core‐collapse events, spectroscopically defined as SNe Ib and Ic, including broad‐lined SN 1998bw–like events) can be clearly distinguished from other types of SNe. Using the full census of nearby SNe discovered during the year 2002, we estimate the impact that prompt multiband photometry obtained by 1 m class telescopes would have on the early identification of stripped‐core events. Combining this new approach with ongoing spectroscopic follow‐up programs, one can expect ∼20 nearby, stripped‐core events to be identified each year around or before maximum light. Follow‐up studies, including prompt, multi‐epoch optical spectroscopy and spectropolarimetry, as well as radio and X‐ray observations, could greatly increase our understanding of these events and shed new light on their association with cosmological gamma‐ray bursts.

Photometry and Spectroscopy of GRB 030329 and Its Associated Supernova 2003dh: The First Two Months

We present extensive optical and infrared photometry of the afterglow of gamma-ray burst (GRB) 030329 and its associated supernova (SN) 2003dh over the first two months after detection (2003 March 30-May 29 UT). Optical spectroscopy from a variety of telescopes is shown and, when combined with the photometry, allows an unambiguous separation between the afterglow and SN contributions. The optical afterglow of the GRB is initially a power-law continuum but shows significant color variations during the first week that are unrelated to the presence of an SN. The early afterglow light curve also shows deviations from the typical power-law decay. An SN spectrum is first detectable ~7 days after the burst and dominates the light after ~11 days. The spectral evolution and the light curve are shown to closely resemble those of SN 1998bw, a peculiar Type Ic SN associated with GRB 980425, and the time of the SN explosion is close to the observed time of the GRB. It is now clear that at least some GRBs arise from core-collapse SNe.