Intermediate-mass Elements Research Articles

Ejecta mass diagnostics of Type Ia supernovae

We present one-dimensional non-local thermodynamic equilibrium time-dependent radiative transfer simulations (using CMFGEN) of two sub-Chandrasekhar (sub-$M_{\rm Ch}$), one $M_{\rm Ch}$ and one super-$M_{\rm Ch}$ Type Ia SN ejecta models. Three originate from $M_{\rm Ch}$ delayed detonation models, and the fourth is a sub-$M_{\rm Ch}$ detonation model. Ejecta masses are 1.02, 1.04, 1.40, and 1.70 M$_\odot$, and all models have 0.62 M$_\odot$ of $^{56}{\rm Ni}$. Sub-$M_{\rm Ch}$ model light curves evolve faster, reaching bolometric maximum 2--3 days earlier and having 3--4 days shorter bolometric half light widths. The models vary by $\sim$12 per cent at maximum bolometric luminosity and by 0.17 mag in $B_{\rm max}$. While $\Delta M_{15}(B)$ increases with ejecta mass it only varies by $\sim$5 per cent around 1 mag. Sub-$M_{\rm Ch}$ models are 0.25 mag bluer in $B-R$ at $B_{\rm max}$. Optical spectra share many similarities, but lower mass models exhibit less UV line blanketing during the photospheric phase. At nebular times, significant NIR spectroscopic differences are seen. In particular, emission lines of the Ca II NIR triplet; [S III] $\lambda\lambda$9068,9530; [Ca II] $\lambda\lambda$7291,7324; [Ar III] $\lambda\lambda$7135,7751; and [Ni II] 1.939 $\mu$m are stronger in higher mass models. The [Ni II] 1.939 $\mu$m line is absent in the sub-$M_{\rm Ch}$ detonation model, and provides a valuable potential tool to distinguish sub-$M_{\rm Ch}$ explosions from $M_{\rm Ch}$ explosions. In general, the nebular phase models are too highly ionized. We attribute this to the neglect of clumping and/or the distribution of intermediate mass and iron group elements. The two sub-$M_{\rm Ch}$ models, while exploded by different mechanisms, can be distinguished in the $J$ and $H$ bands at late times (e.g., $+200$ days).

How Do Type Ia Supernova Nebular Spectra Depend on Explosion Properties? Insights from Systematic Non-LTE Modeling

Abstract We present a radiative transfer code to model the nebular phase spectra of supernovae (SNe) in non-LTE (NLTE). We apply it to a systematic study of SNe Ia using parameterized 1D models and show how nebular spectral features depend on key physical parameters, such as the time since explosion, total ejecta mass, kinetic energy, radial density profile, and the masses of 56Ni, intermediate-mass elements, and stable iron-group elements. We also quantify the impact of uncertainties in atomic data inputs. We find the following. (1) The main features of SN Ia nebular spectra are relatively insensitive to most physical parameters. Degeneracy among parameters precludes a unique determination of the ejecta properties from spectral fitting. In particular, features can be equally well fit with generic Chandrasekhar mass ( ), sub- , and super- models. (2) A sizable (≳0.1 ) central region of stable iron-group elements, often claimed as evidence for models, is not essential to fit the optical spectra and may produce an unusual flat-top [Co iii] profile. (3) The strength of [S iii] emission near 9500 Å can provide a useful diagnostic of explosion nucleosynthesis. (4) Substantial amounts (≳0.1 ) of unburned C/O mixed throughout the ejecta produce [O iii] emission not seen in observations. (5) Shifts in the wavelength of line peaks can arise from line-blending effects. (6) The steepness of the ejecta density profile affects the line shapes, offering a constraint on explosion models. (7) Uncertainties in atomic data limit the ability to infer physical parameters.

Radiative-transfer models for explosions from rotating and non-rotating single WC stars

Using 1-D non-Local-Thermodynamic-Equilibrium time-dependent radiative-transfer simulations, we study the ejecta properties required to match the early and late-time photometric and spectroscopic properties of supernovae (SNe) associated with long-duration gamma-ray bursts (LGRBs). To match the short rise time, narrow light curve peak, and extremely broad spectral lines of SN1998bw requires a model with <3Msun ejecta but a high explosion energy of a few 1e52erg and 0.5Msun of Ni56. However the relatively high luminosity, the presence of narrow spectral lines of intermediate mass elements, and the low ionization at the nebular stage are matched with a more standard C-rich Wolf-Rayet (WR) star explosion, with an ejecta of >10Msun, an explosion energy >1e51erg, and only 0.1Msun of Ni56. As the two models are mutually exclusive, the breaking of spherical symmetry is essential to match the early/late photometric/spectroscopic properties of SN1998bw. This conclusion confirms the notion that the ejecta of SN1998bw is aspherical on large scales. More generally, with asphericity, the energetics and Ni56 mass of LGRB/SNe are reduced and their ejecta mass is increased, favoring a massive fast-rotating Wolf-Rayet star progenitor. Contrary to persisting claims in favor of the proto-magnetar model for LGRB/SNe, such progenitor/ejecta properties are compatible with collapsar formation. Ejecta properties of LGRB/SNe inferred from 1D radiative-transfer modeling are fundamentally flawed.

Correlated nanoscale characterization of a unique complex oxygen-rich stardust grain: Implications for circumstellar dust formation

We report the light to intermediate-mass element abundances as well as the oxygen, magnesium, silicon, and titanium isotope compositions of a unique and unusually large (0.8µm×3.75µm) presolar O-rich grain from the Krymka LL3.2 chondrite. The O-, Al-, and Ti-isotopic compositions are largely compatible with an origin from an asymptotic giant branch (AGB) star of 1.5 solar masses with a metallicity that is 15% higher than the solar metallicity. The grain has an elevated 17O/16O ratio (8.40±0.16×10−4) compared to solar, and slightly sub-solar 18O/16O ratio (1.83±0.03×10−3). It shows evidence for the presence of initial 26Al, suggesting formation after the first dredge-up, during one of the early third dredge-up (TDU) episodes. Titanium isotopic data indicate condensation of the grain before significant amounts of material from the He-burning shell were admixed to the stellar surface with progressive TDUs. We observed a small excess in 30Si (δ30Si=41±5‰), which most likely is inherited from the parent star’s initial Si-isotopic composition. For such stars stellar models predict a C/O-ratio<1 even after the onset of TDU, thus allowing the condensation of O-rich dust.The grain is an unusual complex presolar grain, consisting of an Al-Ca-Ti-oxide core, surrounded by an Mg-Ca-silicate mantle, and resembles the condensation sequence for a cooling gas of solar composition at pressures and dust/gas ratios typically observed for circumstellar envelopes around evolved stars. We also report the first observation of phosphorus in a presolar grain, although the origin of the P-bearing phase remains ambiguous.

Measurement of key resonance states for the [formula omitted] reaction rate, and the production of intermediate-mass elements in nova explosions

We report the first experimental constraints on spectroscopic factors and strengths of key resonances in the P30(p,γ)S31 reaction critical for determining the production of intermediate-mass elements up to Ca in nova ejecta. The P30(d,n)S31 reaction was studied in inverse kinematics using the GRETINA γ-ray array to measure the angle-integrated cross-sections of states above the proton threshold. In general, negative-parity states are found to be most strongly produced but the absolute values of spectroscopic factors are typically an order of magnitude lower than predicted by the shell-model calculations employing WBP Hamiltonian for the negative-parity states. The results clearly indicate the dominance of a single 3/2− resonance state at 196 keV in the region of nova burning T≈0.10–0.17 GK, well within the region of interest for nova nucleosynthesis. Hydrodynamic simulations of nova explosions have been performed to demonstrate the effect on the composition of nova ejecta.

Three-dimensional simulations of turbulent convective mixing in ONe and CO classical nova explosions

Classical novae are thermonuclear explosions that take place in the envelopes of accreting white dwarfs in binary systems. The material piles up under degenerate conditions, driving a thermonuclear runaway. The energy released by the suite of nuclear processes operating at the envelope heats the material up to peak temperatures of ~(1-4) × 108 K. During these events, about 10-3-10-7 M⊙, enriched in CNO and, sometimes, other intermediate-mass elements (e.g., Ne, Na, Mg, Al) are ejected into the interstellar medium. To account for the gross observational properties of classical novae (in particular, the high concentrations of metals spectroscopically inferred in the ejecta), models require mixing between the (solar-like) material transferred from the secondary and the outermost layers (CO- or ONe-rich) of the underlying white dwarf. Recent multidimensional simulations have demonstrated that Kelvin-Helmholtz instabilities can naturally produce self-enrichment of the accreted envelope with material from the underlying white dwarf at levels that agree with observations. However, the feasibility of this mechanism has been explored in the framework of CO white dwarfs, while mixing with different substrates still needs to be properly addressed. We performed three-dimensional simulations of mixing at the core-envelope interface during nova outbursts with the multidimensional code FLASH, for twomore » types of substrates: CO- and ONe-rich. We also show that the presence of an ONe-rich substrate, as in “neon novae”, yields higher metallicity enhancements in the ejecta than CO-rich substrates (i.e., non-neon novae). Finally, a number of requirements and constraints for such 3D simulations (e.g., minimum resolution, size of the computational domain) are also outlined.« less

Synthesis of C-rich dust in CO nova outbursts

Context. Classical novae are thermonuclear explosions that take place in the envelopes of accreting white dwarfs in stellar binary systems. The material transferred onto the white dwarf piles up under degenerate conditions, driving a thermonuclear runaway. In those outbursts, about 10-7 - 10-3 Msun, enriched in CNO and, sometimes, other intermediate-mass elements (e.g., Ne, Na, Mg, or Al, for ONe novae) are ejected into the interstellar medium. The large concentrations of metals spectroscopically inferred in the nova ejecta reveal that the (solar-like) material transferred from the secondary mixes with the outermost layers of the underlying white dwarf. Aims. Most theoretical models of nova outbursts reported to date yield, on average, outflows characterized by O > C, from which only oxidized condensates (e.g, O-rich grains) would be expected, in principle. Methods. To specifically address whether CO novae can actually produce C-rich dust, six different hydrodynamic nova models have been evolved, from accretion to the expansion and ejection stages, with different choices for the composition of the substrate with which the solar-like accreted material mixes. Updated chemical profiles inside the H-exhausted core have been used, based on stellar evolution calculations for a progenitor of 8 Msun through H and He-burning phases. Results. We show that these profiles lead to C-rich ejecta after the nova outburst. This extends the possible contribution of novae to the inventory of presolar grains identified in meteorites, particularly in a number of carbonaceous phases (i.e., nanodiamonds, silicon carbides and graphites).

Abundance stratification in Type Ia supernovae – V. SN 1986G bridging the gap between normal and subluminous SNe Ia

A detailed spectroscopic analysis of SN 1986G has been performed. SN 1986G `bridges the gap' between normal and sub luminous type Ia supernova (SNe Ia). The abundance tomography technique is used to determine the abundance distribution of the elements in the ejecta. SN 1986G was found to be a low energy Chandrasekhar mass explosion. Its kinetic energy was 70% of the standard W7 model (0.9x10$^{51}$erg). Oxygen dominates the ejecta from the outermost layers down to $\sim$9000kms$^{-1}$ , intermediate mass elements (IME) dominate from $\sim$ 9000kms$^{-1}$ to $\sim$ 3500kms$^{-1}$ with Ni and Fe dominating the inner layers $<\sim$ 3500kms$^{-1}$. The final masses of the main elements in the ejecta were found to be, O=0.33M, IME=0.69M, stable NSE=0.21M, $^{56}$Ni=0.14M. An upper limit of the carbon mass is set at C=0.02M. The spectra of SN1986G consist of almost exclusively singly ionised species. SN1986G can be thought of as a low luminosity extension of the main population of SN Ia, with a large deflagration phase that produced more IMEs than a standard SN Ia.

ON MEASURING THE METALLICITY OF A TYPE IA SUPERNOVA’S PROGENITOR

ABSTRACT In Type Ia Supernovae (SNe Ia) the relative abundances of chemical elements are affected by the neutron excess in the composition of the progenitor white dwarf. Since these products leave signatures in the spectra near maximum light, spectral features may be used to constrain the composition of the progenitor. We calculate the nucleosynthetic yields for three SN Ia simulations, assuming single degenerate, Chandrasekhar-mass progenitors, for a wide range of progenitor metallicities, and calculate synthetic light curves and spectra to explore correlations between progenitor metallicity and the strength of spectral features. We use two two-dimensional simulations of the deflagration–detonation–transition scenario with different 56Ni yields and the W7 simulation to control for differences between explosion models and total yields. While the overall yields of intermediate-mass elements (16 &lt; A 40) differ between the three cases, trends in the yields are similar. With increasing metallicity, 28Si yields remain nearly constant, 40Ca yields decline, and Ti and 54Fe yields increase. In the synthetic spectra, we identify two features at 30 days post-explosion that appear to deepen with progenitor metallicity: a Ti feature around 4200 Å and an Fe feature around 5200 Å. In all three simulations, their pseudo equivalent widths show a systematic trend with progenitor metallicity. This suggests that these two features may allow for differentiation among progenitor metallicities of observed SNe Ia and potentially help to reduce the intrinsic Hubble scatter.

OPTICAL THERMONUCLEAR TRANSIENTS FROM TIDAL COMPRESSION OF WHITE DWARFS AS TRACERS OF THE LOW END OF THE MASSIVE BLACK HOLE MASS FUNCTION

ABSTRACT In this paper, we model the observable signatures of tidal disruptions of white dwarf (WD) stars using massive black holes (MBHs) of moderate mass, ≈103–105 M ⊙. When the WD passes deep enough within the MBH’s tidal field, these signatures include thermonuclear transients from burning during maximum compression. We combine a hydrodynamic simulation that includes nuclear burning of the disruption of a 0.6 M ⊙ C/O WD with a Monte Carlo radiative transfer calculation to synthesize the properties of a representative transient. The transient’s emission emerges in the optical, with light curves and spectra reminiscent of Type I supernovae. The properties are strongly viewing angle dependent, and key spectral signatures are ≈10,000 km s−1 doppler shifts, due to the orbital motion of the unbound ejecta. Disruptions of He WDs likely produce large quantities of intermediate-mass elements, offering a possible production mechanism for Ca-rich transients. Accompanying multi-wavelength transients are fueled by accretion and arise from the nascent accretion disk and relativistic jet. If MBHs of moderate mass exist with number densities similar to those of supermassive BHs, both high-energy wide-field monitors and upcoming optical surveys should detect tens to hundreds of WD tidal disruptions per year. The current best strategy for their detection may therefore be deep optical follow-up of high-energy transients of unusually long duration. The detection rate or the nondetection of these transients by current and upcoming surveys can thus be used to place meaningful constraints on the extrapolation of the MBH mass function to moderate masses.

Comparative analysis of SN 2012dn optical spectra: days −14 to +114

SN 2012dn is a super-Chandrasekhar mass candidate in a purportedly normal spiral (SAcd) galaxy, and poses a challenge for theories of type Ia supernova diversity. Here we utilize the fast and highly parameterized spectrum synthesis tool, SYNAPPS, to estimate relative expansion velocities of species inferred from optical spectra obtained with six facilities. As with previous studies of normal SN Ia, we find that both unburned carbon and intermediate mass elements are spatially coincident within the ejecta near and below 14,000 km/s. Although the upper limit on SN 2012dn's peak luminosity is comparable to some of the most luminous normal SN Ia, we find a progenitor mass exceeding ~1.6 Msun is not strongly favored by leading merger models since these models do not accurately predict spectroscopic observations of SN 2012dn and more normal events. In addition, a comparison of light curves and host-galaxy masses for a sample of literature and Palomar Transient Factory SN Ia reveals a diverse distribution of SN Ia subtypes where carbon-rich material remains unburned in some instances. Such events include SN 1991T, 1997br, and 1999aa where trace signatures of C III at optical wavelengths are presumably detected.

A LUMINOUS PECULIAR TYPE IA SUPERNOVA SN 2011HR: MORE LIKE SN 1991T OR SN 2007if?

ABSTRACT Photometric and spectroscopic observations of a slowly declining, luminous Type Ia supernova (SN Ia) SN 2011hr in the starburst galaxy NGC 2691 are presented. SN 2011hr is found to peak at M B = &minus; 19.84 &PlusMinus; 0.40 mag ?> , with a postmaximum decline rate Δm 15(B) = 0.92 ± 0.03 mag. From the maximum-light bolometric luminosity, L = ( 2.30 &PlusMinus; 0.90 ) &times; 10 43 erg s &minus; 1 ?> , we estimate the mass of synthesized 56Ni in SN 2011hr to be M ( 56 Ni ) = 1.11 &PlusMinus; 0.43 M &CircleDot; ?> . SN 2011hr appears more luminous than SN 1991T at around maximum light, and the absorption features from its intermediate-mass elements (IMEs) are noticeably weaker than those of the latter at similar phases. Spectral modeling suggests that SN 2011hr has IMEs of ∼0.07 M &CircleDot; ?> in the outer ejecta, which is much lower than the typical value of normal SNe Ia (i.e., 0.3–0.4 M &CircleDot; ?> ) and is also lower than the value of SN 1991T (i.e., ∼0.18 M &CircleDot; ?> ). These results indicate that SN 2011hr may arise from a Chandrasekhar-mass white dwarf progenitor that experienced a more efficient burning process in the explosion. Nevertheless, it is still possible that SN 2011hr may serve as a transitional object connecting the SN 1991T-like SNe Ia with a superluminous subclass like SN 2007if given that the latter also shows very weak IMEs at all phases.

NanoSIMS and more: New tools in nuclear astrophysics

Primitive Solar System materials contain nm- to μm-sized presolar grains that formed in the winds of evolved stars and in the ejecta of stellar explosions. These samples of stardust can be analysed in terrestrial laboratories with sophisticated analytical instrumentation in great detail. Of particular importance are coordinated studies of individual grains by Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (SIMS), Resonance Ionization Mass Spectrometry (RIMS) and Focused Ion Beam/Transmission Electron Microscopy (FIB/TEM) from which detailed information on isotopic compositions and mineralogies can be obtained. A key tool is the NanoSIMS 50 ion probe which permits to do isotope measurements of light and many intermediate-mass elements with spatial resolutions of <100 nm. A new type of RIMS instrument, “CHILI”, is currently under construction and is aimed to provide <100 nm resolution for isotope studies of intermediate-mass and heavy elements. Another promising analysis technique for future studies is Atom Probe Tomography (APT) which might be useful to create 3D-elemental and isotopic maps of presolar grains at the nanometer scale.

KEPLER’SSUPERNOVA: AN OVERLUMINOUS TYPE Ia EVENT INTERACTING WITH A MASSIVE CIRCUMSTELLAR MEDIUM AT A VERY LATE PHASE

We have analyzed XMM-Newton, Chandra, and Suzaku observations of Kepler's supernova remnant (SNR) to investigate the properties of both the SN ejecta and the circumstellar medium (CSM). For comparison, we have also analyzed two similarly-aged, ejecta-dominated SNRs: Tycho's SNR, thought to be the remnant of a typical Type Ia SN, and SNR 0509-67.5 in the Large Magellanic Cloud, thought to be the remnant of an overluminous Type Ia SN. By simply comparing the X-ray spectra, we find that line intensity ratios of iron-group elements (IGE) to intermediate-mass elements (IME) for Kepler's SNR and SNR 0509-67.5 are much higher than those for Tycho's SNR. We therefore argue that Kepler is the product of an overluminous Type Ia SN. This inference is supported by our spectral modeling, which reveals the IGE and IME masses respectively to be ~0.95 M_sun and ~0.12 M_sun (Kepler's SNR), ~0.75 M_sun and ~0.34 M_sun (SNR 0509-67.5), and ~0.35 M_sun and ~0.70 M_sun (Tycho's SNR). We find that the CSM component in Kepler's SNR consists of tenuous diffuse gas (~0.3 M_sun) present throughout the entire remnant, plus dense knots (~0.035 M_sun). Both of these components have an elevated N abundance (N/H ~ 4 times the solar value), suggesting that they originate from CNO-processed material from the progenitor system. The mass of the diffuse CSM allows us to infer the pre-SN mass-loss rate to be ~1.5e-5 (V_w/10 km/s) M_sun/yr, in general agreement with results from recent hydrodynamical simulations. Since the dense knots have slow proper motions and relatively small ionization timescales, they were likely located a few pc away from the progenitor system. Therefore, we argue that Kepler's SN was an overluminous event that started to interact with massive CSM a few hundred years after the explosion. This supports the possible link between overluminous SNe and the so-called "Ia-CSM" SNe.

Fast luminous blue transients from newborn black holes

Newborn black holes in collapsing massive stars can be accompanied by a fallback disc. The accretion rate is typically super-Eddington and strong disc outflows are expected. Such outflows could be directly observed in some failed explosions of compact (blue supergiants or Wolf–Rayet stars) progenitors, and may be more common than long-duration gamma-ray bursts. Using an analytical model, we show that the fallback disc outflows produce blue UV-optical transients with a peak bolometric luminosity of ∼ 1042-43 erg s− 1 (peak R-band absolute AB magnitudes of −16 to −18) and an emission duration of ∼ a few to ∼10 d. The spectra are likely dominated intermediate mass elements, but will lack much radioactive nuclei and iron-group elements. The above properties are broadly consistent with some of the rapid blue transients detected by Panoramic Survey Telescope & Rapid Response System and Palomar Transient Factory. This scenario can be distinguished from alternative models using radio observations within a few years after the optical peak.

A one-dimensional Chandrasekhar-mass delayed-detonation model for the broad-lined Type Ia supernova 2002bo

We present 1D non-local thermodynamic equilibrium (non-LTE) time-dependent radiative-transfer simulations of a Chandrasekhar-mass delayed-detonation model which synthesizes 0.51 Msun of 56Ni, and confront our results to the Type Ia supernova (SN Ia) 2002bo over the first 100 days of its evolution. Assuming only homologous expansion, this same model reproduces the bolometric and multi-band light curves, the secondary near-infrared (NIR) maxima, and the optical and NIR spectra. The chemical stratification of our model qualitatively agrees with previous inferences by Stehle et al., but reveals significant quantitative differences for both iron-group and intermediate-mass elements. We show that +/-0.1 Msun (i.e., +/-20 per cent) variations in 56Ni mass have a modest impact on the bolometric and colour evolution of our model. One notable exception is the U-band, where a larger abundance of iron-group elements results in less opaque ejecta through ionization effects, our model with more 56Ni displaying a higher near-UV flux level. In the NIR range, such variations in 56Ni mass affect the timing of the secondary maxima but not their magnitude, in agreement with observational results. Moreover, the variation in the I, J, and K_s magnitudes is less than 0.1 mag within ~10 days from bolometric maximum, confirming the potential of NIR photometry of SNe Ia for cosmology. Overall, the delayed-detonation mechanism in single Chandrasekhar-mass white dwarf progenitors seems well suited for SN 2002bo and similar SNe Ia displaying a broad Si II 6355 A line. Whatever multidimensional processes are at play during the explosion leading to these events, they must conspire to produce an ejecta comparable to our spherically-symmetric model.

The elemental composition of the Sun

The composition of the Sun is an essential piece of reference data for astronomy, cosmology, astroparticle, space and geo-physics. This article, dealing with the intermediate-mass elements Na to Ca, is the first in a series describing the comprehensive re-determination of the solar composition. In this series we severely scrutinise all ingredients of the analysis across all elements, to obtain the most accurate, homogeneous and reliable results possible. We employ a highly realistic 3D hydrodynamic solar photospheric model, which has successfully passed an arsenal of observational diagnostics. To quantify systematic errors, we repeat the analysis with three 1D hydrostatic model atmospheres (MARCS, MISS and Holweger & M\"{u}ller 1974) and a horizontally and temporally-averaged version of the 3D model ($\langle$3D$\rangle$). We account for departures from LTE wherever possible. We have scoured the literature for the best transition probabilities, partition functions, hyperfine and other data, and stringently checked all observed profiles for blends. Our final 3D+NLTE abundances are: $\log\epsilon_{\mathrm{Na}}=6.21\pm0.04$, $\log\epsilon_{\mathrm{Mg}}=7.59\pm0.04$, $\log\epsilon_{\mathrm{Al}}=6.43\pm0.04$, $\log\epsilon_{\mathrm{Si}}=7.51\pm0.03$, $\log\epsilon_{\mathrm{P}}=5.41\pm0.03$, $\log \epsilon_{\mathrm{S}}=7.13\pm0.03$, $\log\epsilon_{\mathrm{K}}=5.04\pm0.05$ and $\log\epsilon_{\mathrm{Ca}}=6.32\pm0.03$. The uncertainties include both statistical and systematic errors. Our results are systematically smaller than most previous ones with the 1D semi-empirical Holweger & M\"uller model. The $\langle$3D$\rangle$ model returns abundances very similar to the full 3D calculations. This analysis provides a complete description and a slight update of the Na to Ca results presented in Asplund, Grevesse, Sauval & Scott (arXiv:0909.0948), with full details of all lines and input data.

Abundance stratification in Type Ia supernovae – IV. The luminous, peculiar SN 1991T

The abundance distribution of the elements in the ejecta of the peculiar, luminous Type Ia supernova (SN Ia) 1991T is obtained modelling spectra from before maximum light until a year after the explosion, with the method of "Abundance Tomography". SN 1991T is different from other slowly declining SNe Ia (e.g. SN 1999ee) in having a weaker Si II 6355 line and strong features of iron group elements before maximum. The distance to the SN is investigated along with the abundances and the density profile. The ionization transition that happens around maximum sets a strict upper limit on the luminosity. Both W7 and the WDD3 delayed detonation model are tested. WDD3 is found to provide marginally better fits. In this model the core of the ejecta is dominated by stable Fe with a mass of about 0.15 solar masses, as in most SNe Ia. The layer above is mainly 56Ni up to v~10000 km/s (~0.78 solar masses). A significant amount of 56Ni (~3 %) is located in the outer layers. A narrow layer between 10000 km/s and ~12000 km/s is dominated by intermediate mass elements (IME), ~0.18 solar masses. This is small for a SN Ia. The high luminosity and the consequently high ionization, and the high 56Ni abundance at high velocities explain the peculiar early-time spectra of SN 1991T. The outer part is mainly of oxygen, ~0.3 solar masses. Carbon lines are never detected, yielding an upper limit of 0.01 solar masses for C. The abundances obtained with the W7 density model are qualitatively similar to those of the WDD3 model. Different elements are stratified with moderate mixing, resembling a delayed detonation.

A luminous, blue progenitor system for the type Iax supernova 2012Z.

Type Iax supernovae are stellar explosions that are spectroscopically similar to some type Ia supernovae at the time of maximum light emission, except with lower ejecta velocities. They are also distinguished by lower luminosities. At late times, their spectroscopic properties diverge from those of other supernovae, but their composition (dominated by iron-group and intermediate-mass elements) suggests a physical connection to normal type Ia supernovae. Supernovae of type Iax are not rare; they occur at a rate between 5 and 30 per cent of the normal type Ia rate. The leading models for type Iax supernovae are thermonuclear explosions of accreting carbon-oxygen white dwarfs that do not completely unbind the star, implying that they are 'less successful' versions of normal type Ia supernovae, where complete stellar disruption is observed. Here we report the detection of the luminous, blue progenitor system of the type Iax SN 2012Z in deep pre-explosion imaging. The progenitor system's luminosity, colours, environment and similarity to the progenitor of the Galactic helium nova V445 Puppis suggest that SN 2012Z was the explosion of a white dwarf accreting material from a helium-star companion. Observations over the next few years, after SN 2012Z has faded, will either confirm this hypothesis or perhaps show that this supernova was actually the explosive death of a massive star.

Stellar Yields of Rotating First Stars: Yields of Weak Supernovae and Abundances of Carbon-enhanced Hyper Metal Poor Stars

AbstractThe three most iron-poor stars known until now are also known to have peculiar enhancements of intermediate mass elements. Under the assumption that these iron-deficient stars reveal the nucleosynthesis result of Pop III stars, we show that a weak supernova model successfully reproduces the observed abundance patterns. Moreover, we show that the initial parameters of the progenitor, such as the initial masses and the rotational property, can be constrained by the model, since the stellar yields result from the nucleosynthesis in the outer region of the star, which is significantly affected by the initial parameters. The initial parameter of Pop III stars is of prime importance for the theoretical study of the early universe. Future observation will increase the number of such carbon enhanced iron-deficient stars, and the same analysis on the stars may give valuable information for the Pop III stars that existed in our universe.