SN 2017egm Research Articles

SN 2017egm: A Helium-rich Superluminous Supernova with Multiple Bumps in the Light Curves

When discovered, SN 2017egm was the closest (redshift z = 0.03) hydrogen-poor superluminous supernova (SLSN-I) and a rare case that exploded in a massive and metal-rich galaxy. Thus, it has since been extensively observed and studied. We report spectroscopic data showing strong emission at around He i λ10830 and four He i absorption lines in the optical. Consequently, we classify SN 2017egm as a member of an emerging population of helium-rich SLSNe-I (i.e., SLSNe-Ib). We also present our late-time photometric observations. By combining them with archival data, we analyze high-cadence ultraviolet, optical, and near-infrared light curves spanning from early pre-peak (∼−20 days) to late phases (∼+300 days). We obtain its most complete bolometric light curve, in which multiple bumps are identified. None of the previously proposed models can satisfactorily explain all main light-curve features, while multiple interactions between the ejecta and circumstellar material (CSM) may explain the undulating features. The prominent infrared excess with a blackbody luminosity of 107–108 L ⊙ detected in SN 2017egm could originate from the emission of either an echo of a pre-existing dust shell or newly formed dust, offering an additional piece of evidence supporting the ejecta–CSM interaction model. Moreover, our analysis of deep Chandra observations yields the tightest-ever constraint on the X-ray emission of an SLSN-I, amounting to an X-ray-to-optical luminosity ratio ≲10−3 at late phases (∼100–200 days), which could help explore its close environment and central engine.

Optical polarization and spectral properties of the hydrogen-poor superluminous supernovae SN 2021bnw and SN 2021fpl

ABSTRACTNew optical photometric, spectroscopic, and imaging polarimetry data are combined with publicly available data to study some of the physical properties of the two hydrogen-poor superluminous supernovae (SLSNe) SN 2021bnw and SN 2021fpl. For each SLSN, the best-fitting parameters obtained from the magnetar model with Modular Open-Source Fitter for Transients do not depart from the range of parameter obtained on other SLSNe discussed in the literature. A spectral analysis with SYN++ shows that SN 2021bnw is a W type, fast evolver, while SN 2021fpl is a 15bn type, slow evolver. The analysis of the polarimetry data obtained on SN 2021fpl at four epochs (+1.8, +20.6, +34.1, and +43.0 d, rest frame) shows >3σ polarization detections in the range of 0.8–1 per cent. A comparison of the spectroscopy data suggests that SN 2021fpl underwent a spectral transition a bit earlier than SN 2015bn, during which, similarly, it could have underwent a polarization transition. The analysis of the polarimetry data obtained on SN 2021bnw does not show any departure from symmetry of the photosphere at an empirical diffusion time-scale of ≈2 (+81.1 d rest frame). This result is consistent with those on the sample of W-type SLSN observed at empirical diffusion time-scale ≤ 1 with that technique, even though it is not clear the effect of limited spectral windows varying from one object to the other. Measurements at higher empirical diffusion time-scale may be needed to see any departure from symmetry as it is discussed in the literature for SN 2017egm.

Post maximum light and late time optical imaging polarimetry of type I superluminous supernova 2020znr

ABSTRACTOptical imaging polarimetry was conducted on the hydrogen poor superluminous supernova 2020znr during three phases after maximum light (≈ +34 d, +288 d, and +289 d). After instrumental and interstellar polarization correction, all measurements are consistent with null-polarization detection. Modelling the light curve with a magnetar spin-down model shows that SN2020znr has similar magnetar and ejecta parameters to other SLSNe. A comparison of the best-fitting values discussed in the literature on SN 2017egm and SN 2015bn, two hydrogen poor SLSNe showing an increase of polarization after maximum light, suggests that SN 2020znr has higher mass ejecta that may prevent access to the geometry of the inner ejecta with optical polarimetry. The combined information provided by spectroscopy and light-curve analysis of type I SLSNe may be an interesting avenue to categorize the polarization properties of this class of transients. This approach would require to expand the sample of SLSNe polarimetry data currently available with early and late time epochs new measurements.

ALMA and NOEMA constraints on synchrotron nebular emission from embryonic superluminous supernova remnants and radio–gamma-ray connection

ABSTRACT Fast-rotating pulsars and magnetars have been suggested as the central engines of superluminous supernovae (SLSNe) and fast radio bursts, and this scenario naturally predicts non-thermal synchrotron emission from their nascent pulsar wind nebulae (PWNe). We report results of high-frequency radio observations with ALMA and NOEMA for three SLSNe (SN 2015bn, SN 2016ard, and SN 2017egm), and present a detailed theoretical model to calculate non-thermal emission from PWNe with an age of ∼1−3 yr. We find that the ALMA data disfavours a PWN model motivated by the Crab nebula for SN 2015bn and SN 2017egm, and argue that this tension can be resolved if the nebular magnetization is very high or very low. Such models can be tested by future MeV–GeV gamma-ray telescopes such as AMEGO.

Spatially resolved molecular gas properties of host galaxy of Type I superluminous supernova SN 2017egm

Abstract We present the results of CO(1–0) observations of the host galaxy of a Type I superluminous supernova (SLSN-I), SN 2017egm, one of the closest SLSNe-I at z = 0.03063, by using the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array. The molecular gas mass of the host galaxy is Mgas = (4.8 ± 0.3) × 109 M⊙, placing it on the sequence of normal star-forming galaxies in an Mgas–star-formation rate (SFR) plane. The molecular hydrogen column density at the location of SN 2017egm is higher than that of the Type II SN PTF10bgl, which is also located in the same host galaxy, and those of other Type II and Ia SNe located in different galaxies, suggesting that SLSNe-I have a preference for a dense molecular gas environment. On the other hand, the column density at the location of SN 2017egm is comparable to those of Type Ibc SNe. The surface densities of molecular gas and the SFR at the location of SN 2017egm are consistent with those of spatially resolved local star-forming galaxies and follow the Schmidt–Kennicutt relation. These facts suggest that SLSNe-I can occur in environments with the same star-formation mechanism as in normal star-forming galaxies.

Late-phase Spectropolarimetric Observations of Superluminous Supernova SN 2017egm to Probe the Geometry of the Inner Ejecta

Abstract We present our spectropolarimetric observations of SN 2017egm, a Type I superluminous supernova (SLSN-I) in a nearby galaxy NGC 3191, with the Subaru telescope at +185.0 days after the g-band maximum light. This is the first spectropolarimetric observation for SLSNe at late phases. We find that the degree of the polarization in the late phase significantly changes from that measured at the earlier phase. The spectrum at the late phase shows a strong Ca emission line and therefore we reliably estimate the interstellar polarization (ISP) component assuming that the emission line is intrinsically unpolarized. By subtracting the estimated ISP, we find that the intrinsic polarization at the early phase is only ∼0.2%, which indicates an almost spherical photosphere, with an axial ratio ∼1.05. The intrinsic polarization at the late phase increases to ∼0.8%, which corresponds to the photosphere with an axial ratio ∼1.2. A nearly constant position angle of the polarization suggests the inner ejecta are almost axisymmetric. By these observations, we conclude that the inner ejecta are more aspherical than the outer ejecta. This may suggest the presence of a central energy source producing aspherical inner ejecta.

Nebular-phase Spectra of Superluminous Supernovae: Physical Insights from Observational and Statistical Properties

Abstract We study the spectroscopic evolution of superluminous supernovae (SLSNe) later than 100 days after maximum light. We present new data for Gaia16apd and SN 2017egm and analyze these with a larger sample comprising 41 spectra of 12 events. The spectra become nebular within 2–4 e-folding times after light-curve peak, with the rate of spectroscopic evolution correlated to the light-curve timescale. Emission lines are identified with well-known transitions of oxygen, calcium, magnesium, sodium, and iron. SLSNe are differentiated from other SNe Ic by a prominent O i λ7774 line and higher ionization states of oxygen. The iron-dominated region around 5000 Å is more similar to broad-lined SNe Ic than to normal SNe Ic. Principal component analysis shows that five “eigenspectra” capture ≳70% of the variance, while a clustering analysis shows no clear evidence for multiple SLSN subclasses. Line velocities are 5000–8000 km s−1 and show stratification of the ejecta. O i λ7774 likely arises in a dense inner region that also produces calcium emission, while [O i] λ6300 comes from farther out until 300–400 days. The luminosities of O i λ7774 and Ca ii suggest significant clumping, in agreement with previous studies. Ratios of [Ca ii] λ7300/[O i] λ6300 favor progenitors with relatively massive helium cores, likely ≳6 , though more modeling is required here. SLSNe with broad light curves show the strongest [O i] λ6300, suggesting larger ejecta masses. We show how the inferred velocity, density, and ionization structure point to a central power source.

RINGO3polarimetry of the Type I superluminous SN 2017egm

The origin of the luminosity of superluminous supernovae (SLSNe) is an unresolved mystery, and a number of very different physical scenarios (including energy injection from magnetars, collision with a dense circumstellar medium and pair instability-induced explosions) have been invoked. The application of polarimetry to normal SNe has been shown to probe the three-dimensional structure of exploding stars, providing clues to the nature of the explosion mechanism. We report imaging linear polarimetry observations of the Type I SLSN 2017egm, in the galaxy NGC 3191, conducted with the Liverpool Telescope and the RINGO3 instrument. Observations were acquired at four epochs, spanning 4 - 19 days after light-curve maximum, however, polarization was not detected at a level of $>3\sigma$. At +7 and +15 days, and in the average over all epochs, we find a possible polarization signal, detected at a significance of $\approx 2\sigma$ in the "blue" channel. This signal is seen, primarily, in the Stokes $q$ parameter, with a corresponding polarization angle consistent with the orientation of the spiral arm in proximity to the position of SN 2017egm. We interpret this as indicating that any polarization, if present, originates from dust in the host galaxy rather than being intrinsic to the SN itself. Despite its apparent peculiarities, compared to other Type I SLSNe, the polarization characteristics of SN 2017egm are consistent with the previously reported low polarization of other SLSNe of this variety.

Jets in Hydrogen-poor Superluminous Supernovae: Constraints from a Comprehensive Analysis of Radio Observations

Abstract The energy source powering the extreme optical luminosity of hydrogen-stripped superluminous supernovae (SLSNe-I) is not known, but recent studies have highlighted the case for a central engine. Radio and/or X-ray observations are best placed to track the fastest ejecta and probe the presence of outflows from a central engine. We compile all the published radio observations of SLSNe-I to date and present three new observations of two new SLSNe-I. None were detected. Through modeling the radio emission, we constrain the subparsec environments and possible outflows in SLSNe-I. In this sample, we rule out on-axis collimated relativistic jets of the kind detected in gamma-ray bursts (GRBs). We constrain off-axis jets with opening angles of 5° (30°) to energies of E k < 4 × 10 50 erg ( E k < 10 50 erg ) in environments shaped by progenitors with mass-loss rates of M ˙ < 10 − 4 M ⊙ yr − 1 ( M ˙ < 10 − 5 M ⊙ yr − 1 ) for all off-axis angles, assuming fiducial values ϵ e = 0.1 and ϵ B = 0.01 . The deepest limits rule out emission of the kind seen in faint uncollimated GRBs (with the exception of GRB 060218) and from relativistic SNe. Finally, for the closest SLSN-I, SN 2017egm, we constrain the energy of an uncollimated nonrelativistic outflow like those observed in normal SNe to E k ≲ 10 48 erg.

The host of the Type I SLSN 2017egm

Context. Type I superluminous supernova (SLSN) host galaxies are predominantly low-metallicity, highly star-forming (SF) dwarfs. One of the current key questions is whether Type I SLSNe can only occur in such environments and hosts. Aims. Here we present an integral-field study of the massive, high-metallicity spiral NGC 3191, the host of SN 2017egm, the closest Type I SLSN known to date. We use data from PMAS/CAHA and the public MaNGA survey to shed light on the properties of the SLSN site and the origin of star formation in this non-starburst spiral galaxy. Methods. We map the physical properties of different H ii regions throughout the galaxy and characterise their stellar populations using the STARLIGHT fitting code. Kinematical information allows us to study a possible interaction with its neighbouring galaxy as the origin of recent star formation activity which could have caused the SLSN. Results. NGC 3191 shows intense star formation in the western part with three large SF regions of low metallicity. Taking only the properties of emitting gas, the central regions of the host have a higher metallicity, a lower specific star formation rate, and lower ionisation. Modelling the stellar populations gives a different picture: the SLSN region has two dominant stellar populations with different ages, the younger one with an age of 2–10 Myr and lower metallicity, likely the population from which the SN progenitor originated. Emission line kinematics of NGC 3191 show indications of interaction with its neighbour MCG+08-19-017 at ~45 kpc, which might be responsible for the recent starburst. In fact, this galaxy pair has hosted a total of four SNe, 1988B (Type Ia), SN 2003ds (Type Ic in MCG+08-19-017), PTF10bgl (Type II), and 2017egm, underlying the enhanced SF in both galaxies due to interaction. Conclusions. Our study shows that care should be taken when interpreting global host and even gas properties without looking at the stellar population history of the region. The SLSNe seem to be consistent with massive stars (>20 M⊙) requiring low metallicity (<0.6 Z⊙), environments that can also occur in massive late-type galaxies, but not necessarily with starbursts.

Circumstellar Interaction Models for the Bolometric Light Curve of Type I Superluminous SN 2017egm

Abstract We explore simple semi-analytic fits to the bolometric light curve of Gaia17biu/SN 2017egm, the most nearby hydrogen-deficient superluminous supernova (SLSN I) yet discovered. SN 2017egm has a quasi-bolometric light curve that is uncharacteristic of other SLSN I by having a nearly linear rise to maximum and decline from peak, with a very sharp transition. Magnetar models have difficulty explaining the sharp peak and may tend to be too bright 20 days after maximum. Light curves powered only by radioactive decay of 56Ni fail on similar grounds and because they demand greater nickel mass than ejecta mass. Simple models based on circumstellar interaction (CSI) do have a sharp peak corresponding to the epoch when the forward shock breaks out of the optically thick circumstellar medium or the reverse shock reaches the inside of the ejecta. We find that models based on CSI with a constant-density shell provide an interesting fit to the bolometric light curve from 15 days before to 15 days after peak light of SN 2017egm and that both magnetar and radioactive decay models fail to fit the sharp peak. Future photometric observations should easily discriminate basic CSI models from basic magnetar models. The implications of a CSI model are briefly discussed.

Spatially Resolved MaNGA Observations of the Host Galaxy of Superluminous Supernova 2017egm

Abstract Superluminous supernovae (SLSNe) are found predominantly in dwarf galaxies, indicating that their progenitors have a low metallicity. However, the most nearby SLSN to date, SN 2017egm, occurred in the spiral galaxy NGC 3191, which has a relatively high stellar mass and correspondingly high metallicity. In this Letter, we present detailed analysis of the nearby environment of SN 2017egm using MaNGA IFU data, which provides spectral data on kiloparsec scales. From the velocity map we find no evidence that SN 2017egm occurred within some intervening satellite galaxy, and at the SN position most metallicity diagnostics yield a solar and above solar metallicity ( ). Additionally, we measure a small Hα equivalent width (EW) at the SN position of just 34 Å, which is one of the lowest EWs measured at any SLSN or gamma-ray burst position, and indicative of the progenitor star being comparatively old. We also compare the observed properties of NGC 3191 with other SLSN host galaxies. The solar-metallicity environment at the position of SN 2017egm presents a challenge to our theoretical understanding, and our spatially resolved spectral analysis provides further constraints on the progenitors of SLSNe.

The Superluminous Supernova SN 2017egm in the Nearby Galaxy NGC 3191: A Metal-rich Environment Can Support a Typical SLSN Evolution

Abstract At redshift z = 0.03, the recently discovered SN 2017egm is the nearest Type I superluminous supernova (SLSN) to date and first near the center of a massive spiral galaxy (NGC 3191). Using SDSS spectra of NGC 3191, we find a metallicity ∼2 at the nucleus and ∼1.3 for a star-forming region at a radial offset similar to SN 2017egm. Archival radio-to-UV photometry reveals a star formation rate of ∼15 yr−1 (with ∼70% dust obscured), which can account for a Swift X-ray detection and a stellar mass of . We model the early UV–optical light curves with a magnetar central-engine model, using the Bayesian light curve fitting tool MOSFiT. The fits indicate an ejecta mass of 2–4 , a spin period of 4–6 ms, a magnetic field of G, and a kinetic energy of erg. These parameters are consistent with the overall distributions for SLSNe, modeled by Nicholl et al., although the derived mass and spin are toward the low end, possibly indicating an enhanced loss of mass and angular momentum before explosion. This has two implications: (i) SLSNe can occur at solar metallicity, although with a low fraction of ∼10%, and (ii) metallicity has at most a modest effect on their properties. Both conclusions are in line with results for long gamma-ray bursts. Assuming a monotonic rise gives an explosion date of MJD 57889 ± 1. However, a short-lived excess in the data relative to the best-fitting models may indicate an early-time “bump.” If confirmed, SN 2017egm would be the first SLSN with a spectrum during the bump phase; this shows the same O ii lines seen at maximum light, which may be an important clue for explaining these bumps.