Post-maximum Decline Rate Research Articles

A characterization of ASAS-SN core-collapse supernova environments with VLT+MUSE

Context. The analysis of core-collapse supernova (CCSN) environments can provide important information on the life cycle of massive stars and constrain the progenitor properties of these powerful explosions. The MUSE instrument at the Very Large Telescope (VLT) enables detailed local environment constraints of the progenitors of large samples of CCSNe. Using a homogeneous SN sample from the All-Sky Automated Survey for Supernovae (ASAS-SN) survey, an untargeted and spectroscopically complete transient survey, has enabled us to perform a minimally biased statistical analysis of CCSN environments. Aims. We analyze 111 galaxies observed by MUSE that hosted 112 CCSNe – 78 II, nine IIn, seven IIb, four Ic, seven Ib, three Ibn, two Ic-BL, one ambiguous Ibc, and one superluminous SN – detected or discovered by the ASAS-SN survey between 2014 and 2018. The majority of the galaxies were observed by the All-weather MUse Supernova Integral field Nearby Galaxies (AMUSING) survey. Here we analyze the immediate environment around the SN locations and compare the properties between the different CCSN types and their light curves. Methods. We used stellar population synthesis and spectral fitting techniques to derive physical parameters for all H II regions detected within each galaxy, including the star formation rate (SFR), Hα equivalent width (EW), oxygen abundance, and extinction. Results. We found that stripped-envelope supernovae (SESNe) occur in environments with a higher median SFR, Hα EW, and oxygen abundances than SNe II and SNe IIn/Ibn. Most of the distributions have no statistically significant differences, except between oxygen abundance distributions of SESNe and SNe II, and between Hα EW distributions of SESNe and SNe II. The distributions of SNe II and IIn are very similar, indicating that these events explode in similar environments. For the SESNe, SNe Ic have higher median SFRs, Hα EWs, and oxygen abundances than SNe Ib. SNe IIb have environments with similar SFRs and Hα EWs to SNe Ib, and similar oxygen abundances to SNe Ic. We also show that the postmaximum decline rate, s, of SNe II correlates with the Hα EW, and that the luminosity and the Δm15 parameter of SESNe correlate with the oxygen abundance, Hα EW, and SFR at their environments. This suggests a connection between the explosion mechanisms of these events to their environment properties.

SN 2015bq: A Luminous Type Ia Supernova with Early Flux Excess

Abstract We present optical and ultraviolet (UV) observations of a luminous type Ia supernova (SN Ia) SN 2015bq characterized by early flux excess. This SN reaches a B-band absolute magnitude at M B = −19.68 ± 0.41 mag and a peak bolometric luminosity at L = (1.75 ± 0.37) × 1043 erg s−1, with a relatively small post-maximum decline rate [Δm 15(B) = 0.82 ± 0.05 mag]. The flux excess observed in the light curves of SN 2015bq a few days after the explosion, especially seen in the UV bands, might be due to the radioactive decay of 56Ni mixed into the surface. The radiation from the decay of the surface 56Ni heats the outer layer of this SN. It produces blue U − B color followed by monotonically reddening in the early phase, dominated iron-group lines, and weak intermediate-mass element absorption features in the early spectra. The scenario of enhanced 56Ni in the surface is consistent with a large amount of 56Ni ( M 56 Ni = 0.97 ± 0.20 M ☉) synthesized during the explosion. The properties of SN 2015bq are found to locate between SN 1991T and SN 1999aa, suggesting the latter two subclasses of SNe Ia may have a common origin.

Observations of the low-luminosity Type Iax supernova 2019gsc: a fainter clone of SN 2008ha?

ABSTRACT We present optical photometric and spectroscopic observations of the faint-and-fast evolving Type Iax supernova (SN) 2019gsc, extending from the time of g-band maximum until about 50 d post-maximum, when the object faded to an apparent r-band magnitude mr = 22.48 ± 0.11 mag. SN 2019gsc reached a peak luminosity of only Mg = −13.58 ± 0.15 mag, and is characterized with a post-maximum decline rate Δm15(g) = 1.08 ± 0.14 mag. These light curve parameters are comparable to those measured for SN 2008ha of Mg = −13.89 ± 0.14 mag at peak and Δm15(g) =1.80 ± 0.03 mag. The spectral features of SN 2019gsc also resemble those of SN 2008ha at similar phases. This includes both the extremely low ejecta velocity at maximum, ∼3000 km s−1, and at late-time (phase +54 d) strong forbidden iron and cobalt lines as well as both forbidden and permitted calcium features. Furthermore, akin to SN 2008ha, the bolometric light curve of SN 2019gsc is consistent with the production of ≈0.003 ± 0.001 M⊙ of 56Ni. The explosion parameters, Mej ≈ 0.13 M⊙ and Ek ≈ 12 × 1048 erg, are also similar to those inferred for SN 2008ha. We estimate a subsolar oxygen abundance for the host galaxy of SN 2019gsc (12 + log10(O/H) =8.10 ± 0.18 dex), consistent with the equally metal-poor environment of SN 2008ha. Altogether, our data set for SN 2019gsc indicates that this is a member of a small but growing group of extreme SN Iax that includes SN 2008ha and SN 2010ae.

Comparison of the optical light curves of hydrogen-rich and hydrogen-poor type II supernovae

ABSTRACTType II supernovae (SNe II) show strong hydrogen features in their spectra throughout their whole evolution, while type IIb supernovae (SNe IIb) spectra evolve from dominant hydrogen lines at early times to increasingly strong helium features later on. However, it is currently unclear whether the progenitors of these SN types form a continuum in pre-SN hydrogen mass or whether they are physically distinct. SN light-curve morphology directly relates to progenitor and explosion properties such as the amount of hydrogen in the envelope, the pre-SN radius, the explosion energy, and the synthesized mass of radioactive material. In this work, we study the morphology of the optical-wavelength light curves of hydrogen-rich SNe II and hydrogen-poor SNe IIb to test whether an observational continuum exists between the two. Using a sample of 95 SNe (73 SNe II and 22 SNe IIb), we define a range of key observational parameters and present a comparative analysis between both types. We find a lack of events that bridge the observed properties of SNe II and IIb. Light-curve parameters such as rise times and post-maximum decline rates and curvatures clearly separate both SN types and we therefore conclude that there is no continuum, with the two SN types forming two observationally distinct families. In the V band a rise time of 17 d (SNe II lower and SNe IIb higher), and a magnitude difference between 30 and 40 d post-explosion of 0.4 mag (SNe II lower and SNe IIb higher) serve as approximate thresholds to differentiate both types.

Observations of a Fast-expanding and UV-bright Type Ia Supernova SN 2013gs

In this paper, we present extensive optical and ultraviolet (UV) observations of the type Ia supernova (SN Ia) 2013gs discovered during the Tsinghua-NAOC Transient Survey. The photometric observations in the optical show that the light curves of SN 2013gs is similar to that of normal SNe Ia, with an absolute peak magnitude of $M_{B}$ = $-$19.25 $\pm$ 0.15 mag and a post-maximum decline rate $\Delta$m$_{15}$(B) = 1.00 $ \pm $ 0.05 mag. \emph{Gehrels Swift} UVOT observations indicate that SN 2013gs shows unusually strong UV emission (especially in the $uvw1$ band) at around the maximum light (M$_{uvw1}$ $\sim$ $-$18.9 mag). The SN is characterized by relatively weak Fe~{\sc ii} {\sc iii} absorptions at $\sim$ 5000{\AA} in the early spectra and a larger expansion velocity ($v_{Si}$ $\sim$ 13,000 km s$^{-1}$ around the maximum light) than the normal-velocity SNe Ia. We discuss the relation between the $uvw1-v$ color and some observables, including Si~{\sc ii} velocity, line strength of Si~{\sc ii} $\lambda$6355, Fe~{\sc ii}/{\sc iii} lines and $\Delta m_{15}$(B). Compared to other fast-expanding SNe Ia, SN 2013gs exhibits Si and Fe absorption lines with similar strength and bluer $uvw1-v$ color. We briefly discussed the origin of the observed UV dispersion of SNe Ia.

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.

A cosmology-independent calibration of Type Ia supernovae data

Recently, the common methodology used to transform type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) into genuine standard candles has been suffering criticism. Indeed, it assumes a particular cosmological model (namely the flat $\Lambda$CDM) to calibrate the standardisation corrections parameters, i.e. the dependency of the supernova peak absolute magnitude on its colour, post-maximum decline rate and host galaxy mass. As a result, this assumption could make the data compliant to the assumed cosmology and thus nullify all works previously conducted on model comparison. In this work, we verify the viability of these hypotheses by developing a cosmology-independent approach to standardise SNe Ia data from the recent JLA compilation. Our resulting corrections turn out to be very close to the $\Lambda$CDM-based corrections. Therefore, even if a $\Lambda$CDM-based calibration is questionable from a theoretical point of view, the potential compliance of SNe Ia data does not happen in practice for the JLA compilation. Previous works of model comparison based on these data do not have to be called into question. However, as this cosmology-independent standardisation method has the same degree of complexity than the model-dependent one, it is worth using it in future works, especially if smaller samples are considered, such as the superluminous type Ic supernovae.

Evidence for sub-Chandrasekhar-mass progenitors of Type Ia supernovae at the faint end of the width–luminosity relation

The faster light-curve evolution of low-luminosity Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) suggests that they could result from the explosion of white dwarf (WD) progenitors below the Chandrasekhar mass ($M_{\rm Ch}$). Here we present 1D non-LTE time-dependent radiative transfer simulations of pure central detonations of carbon-oxygen WDs with a mass ($M_\rm{tot}$) between 0.88 M$_{\odot}$ and 1.15 M$_{\odot}$, and a $^{56}\rm{Ni}$ yield between 0.08 M$_{\odot}$ and 0.84 M$_{\odot}$. Their lower ejecta density compared to $M_{\rm Ch}$ models results in a more rapid increase of the luminosity at early times and an enhanced $\gamma$-ray escape fraction past maximum light. Consequently, their bolometric light curves display shorter rise times and larger post-maximum decline rates. Moreover, the higher $M(^{56}\rm{Ni})/M_\rm{tot}$ ratio at a given $^{56}\rm{Ni}$ mass enhances the temperature and ionization level in the spectrum-formation region for the less luminous models, giving rise to bluer colours at maximum light and a faster post-maximum evolution of the $B-V$ colour. For sub-$M_{\rm Ch}$ models fainter than $M_B\approx -18.5$ mag at peak, the greater bolometric decline and faster colour evolution lead to a larger $B$-band post-maximum decline rate, $\Delta M_{15}(B)$. In particular, all of our previously-published $M_{\rm Ch}$ models (standard and pulsational delayed detonations) are confined to $\Delta M_{15}(B) < 1.4$ mag, while the sub-$M_{\rm Ch}$ models with $M_\rm{tot}\lesssim 1$ M$_{\odot}$ extend beyond this limit to $\Delta M_{15}(B)\approx 1.65$ mag for a peak $M_B\approx -17$ mag, in better agreement with the observed width-luminosity relation (WLR). Regardless of the precise ignition mechanism, these simulations suggest that fast-declining SNe Ia at the faint end of the WLR could result from the explosion of WDs whose mass is significantly below the Chandrasekhar limit.

Inferring supernova IIb/Ib/Ic ejecta properties from light curves and spectra: correlations from radiative-transfer models

We present 1-D non-Local-Thermodynamic-Equilibrium time-dependent radiative-transfer simulations for a large grid of supernovae (SNe) IIb/Ib/Ic that result from the terminal explosion of the mass donor in a close-binary system. Our sample covers ejecta masses $M_{\rm e}$ of 1.7$-$5.2M$_\odot$, kinetic energies $E_{\rm kin}$ of 0.6$-$5.0$\times$10$^{51}$erg, and $^{56}$Ni masses of 0.05$-$0.30M$_\odot$. We find a strong correlation between the $^{56}$Ni mass and the photometric properties at maximum, and between the rise time to bolometric maximum and the post-maximum decline rate. We confirm the small scatter in ($V-R$) at 10d past $R$-band maximum. The quantity $V_{\rm m} \equiv \sqrt{2E_{\rm kin}/M_{\rm e}}$ is comparable to the Doppler velocity measured from HeI 5875\AA\ at maximum in SNe IIb/Ib, although some scatter arises from the uncertain level of chemical mixing. The OI7772\AA\ line may be used for SNe Ic, but the correspondence deteriorates with higher ejecta mass/energy. We identify a temporal reversal of the Doppler velocity at maximum absorption in the $\sim$1.05$\mu$m feature in all models. The reversal is due to HeI alone and could serve as a test for the presence of helium in SNe Ic. Because of variations in composition and ionisation, the ejecta opacity shows substantial variations with both velocity and time. This is in part the origin of the offset between our model light curves and the predictions from the Arnett model.

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.

Optical observations of the fast declining Type Ib supernova iPTF13bvn

We present optical UBVRI photometry and medium resolution spectroscopy of the type Ib supernova iPTF13bvn, spanning a phase of $\sim$ $-13\,$d to $+71\,$d with respect to $B$-band maximum. The post maximum decline rates indicate a fast decline with $\Delta m_{15}(B) = 1.82$. Correcting for a galactic extinction $E(B-V){\rm_{MW}}=0.045$ and host galaxy extinction of $E(B-V){\rm_{host}}=0.17$, the absolute $V$-band magnitude peaks at M$_V=-17.23\, \pm \,0.20$. The bolometric light curve indicates that $\sim 0.09$ M$_{\odot}$ of $^{56}$Ni was synthesized in the explosion. The earliest spectrum ($-13$d) shows the presence of He~{\sc i} 5876 \AA\ feature at a velocity of $\sim$15000 km s$^{-1}$, which falls rapidly by the time the SN approaches the epoch of B-band maximum. The photospheric velocity near maximum light, as indicated by the Fe~{\sc ii} 5169~\AA\ feature, is $\sim 9000$ km s$^{-1}$. The estimate for the $^{56}$Ni mass, together with the estimates for the ejected mass ($M_{\rm{ej}}$) and kinetic energy of the explosion ($E_{\rm{k}}$) indicate that iPTF13bvn is a low luminosity type Ib supernova, with a lower than average ejected mass and kinetic energy. Our results suggest that the progenitor of iPTF13bvn is inconsistent with a single Wolf-Rayet star.

OPTICAL AND ULTRAVIOLET OBSERVATIONS OF THE NARROW-LINED TYPE Ia SN 2012fr IN NGC 1365

Extensive optical and ultraviolet (UV) observations of the type Ia supernova (SN Ia) 2012fr are presented in this paper. It has a relatively high luminosity, with an absolute $B$-band peak magnitude of about $-19.5$ mag and a smaller post-maximum decline rate than normal SNe Ia [e.g., $\Delta m _{15}$($B$) $= 0.85 \pm 0.05$ mag]. Based on the UV and optical light curves, we derived that a $^{56}$Ni mass of about 0.88 solar masses was synthesized in the explosion. The earlier spectra are characterized by noticeable high-velocity features of \ion{Si}{2} $\lambda$6355 and \ion{Ca}{2} with velocities in the range of $\sim22,000$--$25,000$ km s$^{-1}$. At around the maximum light, these spectral features are dominated by the photospheric components which are noticeably narrower than normal SNe Ia. The post-maximum velocity of the photosphere remains almost constant at $\sim$12,000 km s$^{-1}$ for about one month, reminiscent of the behavior of some luminous SNe Ia like SN 1991T. We propose that SN 2012fr may represent a subset of the SN 1991T-like SNe Ia viewed in a direction with a clumpy or shell-like structure of ejecta, in terms of a significant level of polarization reported in Maund et al. (2013).

The rise-time distribution of nearby Type Ia supernovae

We present an analysis of the B-band and V-band rise-time distributions of nearby Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia). We use a two-stretch template-fitting method to measure the rise and decline of BV light curves. Our analysis of 61 SNe with high-quality light curves indicates that the longer the time between explosion and maximum light (i.e., the rise time), the slower the decline of the light curve after maximum. However, SNe with slower post-maximum decline rates have a faster rise than would be expected from a single-parameter family of light curves, indicating that SN Ia light curves are not a single-parameter family of varying widths. Comparison of the B-band rise-time distribution for spectroscopically normal SNe Ia to those exhibiting high-velocity spectral features indicates that high-velocity (HV) SNe Ia have shorter B-band rise times compared to their spectroscopically normal counterparts. After normalising the B-band light curves to Dm15(B)= 1.1 mag (i.e., correcting the post-maximum decline to have the same shape as our template), we find that spectroscopically normal SNe Ia have a rise time of 18.03 +/- 0.24 d, while HV SNe have a faster B-band rise time of 16.63 +/- 0.29 d. Despite differences in the B band, we find that HV and normal SNe Ia have similar rise times in the V band. The initial rise of a SN Ia B-band light curve follows a power law with index 2.20 +0.27 -0.19, consistent with a parabolic rise in flux predicted by an expanding fireball toy model. We compare our early-time B-band data to models for the predicted signature of companion interaction arising from the single-degenerate progenitor scenario. There is a substantial degree of degeneracy between the adopted power-law index of the SN light-curve template, the rise time, and the amount of shock emission required to match the data.

Optical studies of SN 2009jf: a Type Ib supernova with an extremely slow decline and aspherical signature

Optical UBVRI photometry and medium-resolution spectroscopy of the Type Ib supernova SN 2009jf, during the period from ∼ −15 to +250 d, with respect to the B maximum are reported. The light curves are broad, with an extremely slow decline. The early post-maximum decline rate in the V band is similar to SN 2008D; however, the late-phase decline rate is slower than other Type Ib supernovae studied. With an absolute magnitude of MV=−17.96 ± 0.19 at peak, SN 2009jf is a normally bright supernova. The peak bolometric luminosity and the energy deposition rate via the 56Ni →56Co chain indicate that ∼0.17+0.03−0.03 M⊙ of 56Ni was ejected during the explosion. The He i 5876 Å line is clearly identified in the first spectrum of day ∼ −15, at a velocity of ∼16 000 km s−1. The [O i] 6300–6364 Å line seen in the nebular spectrum has a multipeaked and asymmetric emission profile, with the blue peak being stronger. The estimated flux in this line implies that ≳1.34 M⊙ oxygen was ejected. The slow evolution of the light curves of SN 2009jf indicates the presence of a massive ejecta. The high expansion velocity in the early phase and broader emission lines during the nebular phase suggest it to be an explosion with a large kinetic energy. A simple qualitative estimate leads to the ejecta mass of Mej= 4–9 M⊙ and kinetic energy EK= 3–8 × 1051 erg. The ejected mass estimate is indicative of an initial main-sequence mass of ≳20–25 M⊙.

Two type Ic supernovae in low-metallicity, dwarf galaxies: diversity of explosions

We present BVRI photometry and optical spectroscopy of two Type Ic supernovae SN 2007bg and SN 2007bi discovered in wide-field, non-targeted surveys and associated with sub-luminous blue dwarf galaxies. Neither SNe 2007bg nor 2007bi were found in association with an observed GRB, but are found to inhabit similar low-metallicity environments as GRB associated supernovae. The radio-bright SN 2007bg is hosted by an extremely sub-luminous galaxy of magnitude MB = -12.4+/-0.6 mag with an estimated oxygen abundance of 12+log(O/H) = 8.18+/-0.17. The lightcurve of SN 2007bg displays one of the fastest post-maximum decline rates of all broad-lined Type Ic supernovae known to date and, when combined with its high expansion velocities, a high kinetic energy to ejected mass ratio (E_K/Mej ~ 2.7). We show that SN 2007bi is possibly the most luminous Type Ic known, reaching a peak magnitude of MR ~ 21.3 mag and displays a remarkably slow decline, following the radioactive decay rate of 56Co to 56Fe throughout the course of its observed lifetime. From a simple model of the bolometric light curve of SN 2007bi we estimate a total ejected 56Ni mass of M_Ni = 3.5 - 4.5 solar masses, the largest 56Ni mass measured in the ejecta of a supernova to date. There are two models that could explain the high luminosity and large ejected 56Ni mass. One is a pair-instability supernova (PISN) which has been predicted to occur for massive stars at low metallicities. We measure the host galaxy metallicity of SN 2007bi to be 12 + log(O/H) = 8.15+/-0.15 which is somewhat high to be consistent with the PISN model. An alternative is the core-collapse of a C+O star of 20 - 40 solar masses which is the core of a star of originally 50 - 100 solar masses. (Abridged)

Reflections on reflexions - II. Effects of light echoes on the luminosity and spectra of Type Ia supernovae

In this paper we present and discuss the effects of scattered light echoes (LE) on the luminosity and spectral appearance of Type Ia Supernovae (SNe). After introducing the basic concepts of LE spectral synthesis, by means of LE models and real observations we investigate the deviations from pure SN spectra, light and colour curves, the signatures that witness the presence of a LE and the possible inferences on the extinction law. The effects on the photometric parameters and spectral features are also discussed. In particular, for the case of circumstellar dust, LEs are found to introduce an apparent relation between the post-maximum decline rate and the absolute luminosity which is most likely going to affect the well known Pskowski-Phillips relation.

Theoretical Light Curves for Type Ia Supernovae and Determination of the Hubble Constant

The large luminosity (MV ≈ −19 ∼ −20) and the homogeneity in light curves and spectra of Type Ia supernovae(SNe Ia) have led to their use as distance indicators ultimately to determine the Hubble constant (H0). However, an increasing number of the observed samples from intermediate- and high-z (z ∼ 0.1 − 1) SN Ia survey projects(Hamuy et al. 1996, Perlmutter et al. 1997) have shown that there is a significant dispersion in the maximum brightness (∼ 0.4 mag) and the brighter-slower correlation between the brightness and the postmaximum decline rate, which was first pointed out by Phillips(1993). By taking the correlation into account, Hamuy et al.(1996) gave an estimate of H0 within the error bars half as much as previous ones.

Maximum Brightness and Postmaximum Decline of Light Curves of Type Supernovae Ia: A Comparison of Theory and Observations

We compare the observed correlations between the maximum brightness, postmaximum decline rate, and color at maximum light of Type Ia supernovae (SNs Ia) with model predictions.

Explosion Models for Type IA Supernovae: A Comparison with Observed Light Curves, Distances, H 0, and Q 0

Theoretical monochromatic light curves and photospheric expansion velocities are compared with observations of 27 Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia). A set of 37 models has been considered which encompasses all currently discussed explosion scenarios for Type Ia supernovae including deflagrations, detonations, delayed detonations, pulsating delayed detonations and tamped detonations of Chandra- mass, and Helium detonations of low mass white dwarfs. The explosions are calculated using one-dimensional Lagrangian hydro and radiation-hydro codes with incorporated nuclear networks. Subsequently, light curves are constructed using our LC scheme which includes an implicit radiation transport, expansion opacities, a Monte-Carlo $\gamma $-ray transport, and molecular and dust formation. For some supernovae, results of detailed non-LTE calculations have been considered. Observational properties of our series of models are discussed, the relation between the absolute brightness, post-maximum decline rates, the colors at several moments of time, etc. All models with a Ni production larger than 0.4 solar masses produce light curves of similar brightness. The influence of the cosmological red shift on the light curves and on the correction for interstellar reddening is discussed. Based on data rectification of the standard deviation, a quantitative procedure to fit the observations has been used to the determine the free parameters, i.e. the correct model, the distance, the reddening, and the time of the explosion. The results are discussed in detail and applied to determine Ho and qo.