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Supernovae

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Articles 31 - 60 of 65

Full-Text Articles in Physical Sciences and Mathematics

Multi-Wavelength Observations Of Supernova 2011ei: Time-Dependent Classification Of Type Iib And Ib Supernovae And Implications For Their Progenitors, Dan Milisavljevic, Raffaella Margutti, Alicia M. Soderberg, Giuliano Pignata, Laura Chomiuk, Robert A. Fesen Mar 2013

Multi-Wavelength Observations Of Supernova 2011ei: Time-Dependent Classification Of Type Iib And Ib Supernovae And Implications For Their Progenitors, Dan Milisavljevic, Raffaella Margutti, Alicia M. Soderberg, Giuliano Pignata, Laura Chomiuk, Robert A. Fesen

Dartmouth Scholarship

We present X-ray, UV/optical, and radio observations of the stripped-envelope, core-collapse supernova (SN) 2011ei, one of the least luminous SNe IIb or Ib observed to date. Our observations begin with a discovery within 1 day of explosion and span several months afterward. Early optical spectra exhibit broad, Type II-like hydrogen Balmer profiles that subside rapidly and are replaced by Type Ib-like He-rich features on the timescale of one week. High-cadence monitoring of this transition suggests that absorption attributable to a high velocity (> 12,000 km/s) H-rich shell is not rare in Type Ib events. Radio observations imply a shock velocity …


Supernova Resonance-Scattering Line Profiles In The Absence Of A Photosphere, Brian Friesen, E. Baron, David Branch, Bin Chen, Jerod T. Parrent, R. C. Thomas Nov 2012

Supernova Resonance-Scattering Line Profiles In The Absence Of A Photosphere, Brian Friesen, E. Baron, David Branch, Bin Chen, Jerod T. Parrent, R. C. Thomas

Dartmouth Scholarship

In supernova (SN) spectroscopy relatively little attention has been given to the properties of optically thick spectral lines in epochs following the photosphere's recession. Most treatments and analyses of post-photospheric optical spectra of SNe assume that forbidden-line emission comprises most if not all spectral features. However, evidence exists that suggests that some spectra exhibit line profiles formed via optically thick resonance-scattering even months or years after the SN explosion. To explore this possibility, we present a geometrical approach to SN spectrum formation based on the "Elementary Supernova" model, wherein we investigate the characteristics of resonance-scattering in optically thick lines while …


High-Velocity Outflows Without Agn Feedback: Eddington-Limited Star Formation In Compact Massive Galaxies, Aleksandar M. Diamond-Stanic, John Moustakas, Christy A. Tremonti, Alison L. Coil, Ryan C. Hickox Aug 2012

High-Velocity Outflows Without Agn Feedback: Eddington-Limited Star Formation In Compact Massive Galaxies, Aleksandar M. Diamond-Stanic, John Moustakas, Christy A. Tremonti, Alison L. Coil, Ryan C. Hickox

Dartmouth Scholarship

We present the discovery of compact, obscured star formation in galaxies at z ~ 0.6 that exhibit 1000 km s–1 outflows. Using optical morphologies from the Hubble Space Telescope and infrared photometry from the Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer, we estimate star formation rate (SFR) surface densities that approach ΣSFR ≈ 3000 M yr–1 kpc–2, comparable to the Eddington limit from radiation pressure on dust grains. We argue that feedback associated with a compact starburst in the form of radiation pressure from massive stars and ram pressure from supernovae and stellar winds is sufficient …


Analysis Of The Early-Time Optical Spectra Of Sn 2011fe In M101, J. T. Parrent, D. A. Howell, B. Friesen, R. C. Thomas Jun 2012

Analysis Of The Early-Time Optical Spectra Of Sn 2011fe In M101, J. T. Parrent, D. A. Howell, B. Friesen, R. C. Thomas

Dartmouth Scholarship

The nearby Type Ia supernova SN 2011fe in M101 (cz=241 km s^-1) provides a unique opportunity to study the early evolution of a "normal" Type Ia supernova, its compositional structure, and its elusive progenitor system. We present 18 high signal-to-noise spectra of SN 2011fe during its first month beginning 1.2 days post-explosion and with an average cadence of 1.8 days. This gives a clear picture of how various line-forming species are distributed within the outer layers of the ejecta, including that of unburned material (C+O). We follow the evolution of C II absorption features until they diminish near maximum light, …


Late-Time Optical Emission From Core-Collapse Supernovae, Dan Milisavljevic, Robert A. Fesen, Roger A. Chevalier, Robert P. Kirshner May 2012

Late-Time Optical Emission From Core-Collapse Supernovae, Dan Milisavljevic, Robert A. Fesen, Roger A. Chevalier, Robert P. Kirshner

Dartmouth Scholarship

Ground-based optical spectra and Hubble Space Telescope images of 10 core-collapse supernovae (CCSNe) obtained several years to decades after outburst are analyzed with the aim of understanding the general properties of their late-time emissions. New observations of SN 1957D, 1970G, 1980K, and 1993J are included as part of the study. Blueshifted line emissions in oxygen and/or hydrogen with conspicuous line substructure are a common and long-lasting phenomenon in the late-time spectra. Followed through multiple epochs, changes in the relative strengths and velocity widths of the emission lines are consistent with expectations for emissions produced by interaction between SN ejecta and …


The Ages And Metallicities Of Type Ia Supernova Host Galaxies From The Nearby Galaxies Supernova Search Program, Suzanna Sadler May 2012

The Ages And Metallicities Of Type Ia Supernova Host Galaxies From The Nearby Galaxies Supernova Search Program, Suzanna Sadler

Mahurin Honors College Capstone Experience/Thesis Projects

We seek to better understand the physical constraints under which White Dwarf stars ultimately become Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia), an important test of the robustness of these tools in precisely measuring Dark Energy, as the definite progenitor system still remains elusive. The host galaxy environments of Type Ia supernovae provide our best opportunity for constraining the mechanism(s) of SN Ia production, i.e., the stars involved and the incubation times (tied to stellar ages), and the sensitivity of SNe Ia to changes in the local metallicity. We have measured the ages and metallicities of approximately 60 galaxies from a sample …


The Hubble Space Telescope * Cluster Supernova Survey. Ii. The Type Ia Supernova Rate In High-Redshift Galaxy Clusters, K Barbary, G Aldering, R Amanullah, M Brodwin, N Connolly, Ks Dawson, M Doi, P Eisenhardt, L Faccioli, V Fadeyev, Hk Fakhouri, As Fruchter, D G. Gilbank, Md Gladders, G Goldhaber, A Goobar, T Hattori, E Hsiao, Xiaosheng Huang, Y Ihara, K Kashikawa, B Koester, K Konishi, M Kowalski, C Lidman, L Lubin, J Meyers, T Morokuma, T Oda, N Panagia, S Perlmutter, M Postman, P Ripoche, P Rosati, D Rubin, Dj Schlegel, Al Spadafora, Sa Stanford, M Strovink, N Suzuki, N Takanashi, K Tokita, N Yasuda Dec 2011

The Hubble Space Telescope * Cluster Supernova Survey. Ii. The Type Ia Supernova Rate In High-Redshift Galaxy Clusters, K Barbary, G Aldering, R Amanullah, M Brodwin, N Connolly, Ks Dawson, M Doi, P Eisenhardt, L Faccioli, V Fadeyev, Hk Fakhouri, As Fruchter, D G. Gilbank, Md Gladders, G Goldhaber, A Goobar, T Hattori, E Hsiao, Xiaosheng Huang, Y Ihara, K Kashikawa, B Koester, K Konishi, M Kowalski, C Lidman, L Lubin, J Meyers, T Morokuma, T Oda, N Panagia, S Perlmutter, M Postman, P Ripoche, P Rosati, D Rubin, Dj Schlegel, Al Spadafora, Sa Stanford, M Strovink, N Suzuki, N Takanashi, K Tokita, N Yasuda

Physics and Astronomy

We report a measurement of the Type Ia supernova (SN Ia) rate in galaxy clusters at 0.9 < z < 1.46 from the Hubble Space Telescope Cluster Supernova Survey. This is the first cluster SN Ia rate measurement with detected z > 0.9 SNe. Finding 8 ± 1 cluster SNe Ia, we determine an SN Ia rate of 0.50+0.23 –0.19 (stat) +0.10 –0.09 (sys) h 2 70 SNuB (SNuB ≡ 10–12 SNe L –1 ☉, B yr–1). In units of stellar mass, this translates to 0.36+0.16 –0.13 (stat) +0.07 –0.06 (sys) h 2 70 SNuM (SNuM ≡ 10–12 SNe M –1 ☉ yr–1). This represents a …


The Sn 393-Snr Rx J1713.7-3946 (G347.3-0.5) Connection, Robert A. Fesen, Richard Kremer, Daniel Patnaude, Dan Milisavljevic Dec 2011

The Sn 393-Snr Rx J1713.7-3946 (G347.3-0.5) Connection, Robert A. Fesen, Richard Kremer, Daniel Patnaude, Dan Milisavljevic

Dartmouth Scholarship

Although the connection of the Chinese "guest" star of 393 AD with the Galactic supernova remnant RX J1713.7-3946 (G347.3-0.5) made by Wang et al. in 1997 is consistent with the remnant's relatively young properties and the guest star's projected position within the "tail" of the constellation Scorpius, there are difficulties with such an association. The brief Chinese texts concerning the 393 AD guest star make no comment about its apparent brightness, stating only that it disappeared after eight months. However, at the remnant's current estimated 1-1.3 kpc distance and A V 3, its supernova (SN) should have been a visually …


Analysis Of 26Al + P Elastic And Inelastic Scattering Reactions And Galactic Abundances Of 26Al, Stephen Todd Pittman Dec 2011

Analysis Of 26Al + P Elastic And Inelastic Scattering Reactions And Galactic Abundances Of 26Al, Stephen Todd Pittman

Doctoral Dissertations

26Al(p,p)26Al and 26Al(p,p’)26Al* scattering reactions were performed at the Holifield Radioactive Ion Beam Facility (HRIBF) at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory (ORNL). The purpose of the elastic scattering study was to determine properties of previously uncharacterized 27Si levels above the proton threshold in the energy range E(c.m.) ~ 0.5 - 1.5 MeV and to calculate reaction rates for the 26Al(p,γ[gamma])27Si reaction that destroys 26Al. The inelastic scattering reaction was also evaluated to investigate the reaction that produces the metastable state of 26Al at E(c.m.) = 228 keV, …


Time Evolution Of The Reverse Shock In Sn 1006, P. Frank Winkler, Andrew J. S. Hamilton, Knox S. Long, Robert A. Fesen Nov 2011

Time Evolution Of The Reverse Shock In Sn 1006, P. Frank Winkler, Andrew J. S. Hamilton, Knox S. Long, Robert A. Fesen

Dartmouth Scholarship

The Schweizer-Middleditch star, located behind the SN 1006 remnant and near its center in projection, provides the opportunity to study cold, expanding ejecta within the SN 1006 shell through UV absorption. Especially notable is an extremely sharp red edge to the Si II 1260 Å feature, which stems from the fastest moving ejecta on the far side of the SN 1006 shell—material that is just encountering the reverse shock. Comparing Hubble Space Telescope far-UV spectra obtained with the Cosmic Origins Spectrograph in 2010 and with the Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph in 1999, we have measured the change in this feature …


Evidence For Particle Acceleration To The Knee Of The Cosmic Ray Spectrum In Tycho’S Supernova Remnant, Kristoffer A. Eriksen, John P. Hughes, Carles Badenes, Robert Fesen Feb 2011

Evidence For Particle Acceleration To The Knee Of The Cosmic Ray Spectrum In Tycho’S Supernova Remnant, Kristoffer A. Eriksen, John P. Hughes, Carles Badenes, Robert Fesen

Dartmouth Scholarship

Supernova remnants (SNRs) have long been assumed to be the source of cosmic rays (CRs) up to the "knee" of the CR spectrum at 10^15 eV, accelerating particles to relativistic energies in their blast waves by the process of diffusive shock acceleration (DSA). Since cosmic ray nuclei do not radiate efficiently, their presence must be inferred indirectly. Previous theoretical calculations and X-ray observations show that CR acceleration modifies significantly the structure of the SNR and greatly amplifies the interstellar magnetic field. We present new, deep X-ray observations of the remnant of Tycho's supernova (SN 1572, henceforth Tycho), which reveal a …


Towards Simulations Of Binary Neutron Star Mergers And Core-Collapse Supernovae With Genasis, Reuben Donald Budiardja Aug 2010

Towards Simulations Of Binary Neutron Star Mergers And Core-Collapse Supernovae With Genasis, Reuben Donald Budiardja

Doctoral Dissertations

This dissertation describes the current version of GenASiS and reports recent progress in its development. GenASiS is a new computational astrophysics code built for large-scale and multi-dimensional computer simulations of astrophysical phenomena, with primary emphasis on the simulations of neutron star mergers and core-collapse supernovae. Neutron star mergers are of high interest to the astrophysics community because they should be the prodigious source of gravitation waves and the most promising candidates for gravitational wave detection. Neutron star mergers are also thought to be associated with the production of short-duration, hard-spectral gamma-ray bursts, though the mechanism is not well understood. In …


The First Vlbi Image Of The Young, Oxygen-Rich Supernova Remnant In Ngc 4449, M. F. Bietenholz, N. Bartel, D. Milisavljevic, R. A. Fesen Jul 2010

The First Vlbi Image Of The Young, Oxygen-Rich Supernova Remnant In Ngc 4449, M. F. Bietenholz, N. Bartel, D. Milisavljevic, R. A. Fesen

Dartmouth Scholarship

We report on sensitive 1.4-GHz VLBI radio observations of the unusually luminous supernova remnant SNR 4449-1 in the galaxy NGC 4449, which gave us the first well-resolved image of this object. The remnant's radio morphology consists of two approximately parallel bright ridges, suggesting similarities to the barrel shape seen for many older Galactic supernova remnants or possibly to SN 1987A. The angular extent of the remnant is 65 × 40 mas, corresponding to (3.7 × 2.3) × 1018 (D/3.8 Mpc) cm. We also present a new, high signal-to-noise ratio optical spectrum. By comparing the remnant's linear size …


A Bright Molecular Core In A Crab Nebula Filament, E. D. Loh, J. A. Baldwin, Gary J. Ferland Jun 2010

A Bright Molecular Core In A Crab Nebula Filament, E. D. Loh, J. A. Baldwin, Gary J. Ferland

Physics and Astronomy Faculty Publications

In a sub-arcsec near-infrared survey of the Crab Nebula using the new Spartan Infrared Camera, we have found several knots with high surface brightness in the H2 2.12 μm line and a very large H2 2.12 μm to Brγ ratio. The brightest of these knots has an intensity ratio I(H2 2.12 μm)/I(Brγ) = 18 ± 9, which we show sets a lower limit on the ratio of masses in the molecular and recombination (i.e., ionized) zones M mol/M rec ≥ 0.9, and a total molecular mass within this single knot M mol ≥ …


Studying The Small Scale Ism Structure With Supernovae, F. Patat, N. L. J. Cox, J. Parrent, D. Branch Mar 2010

Studying The Small Scale Ism Structure With Supernovae, F. Patat, N. L. J. Cox, J. Parrent, D. Branch

Dartmouth Scholarship

In this work we explore the possibility of using the fast expansion of a Type Ia supernova photosphere to detect extra-galactic ISM column density variations on spatial scales of ∼100 AU on time scales of a few months. We constructed a simple model which describes the expansion of the photodisk and the effects of a patchy interstellar cloud on the observed equivalent width of Nai D lines. Using this model we derived the behavior of the equivalent width as a function of time, spatial scale and amplitude of the column density fluctuation


Dust And The Type Ii-Plateau Supernova 2004et, R. Kotak, W. P. S. Meikle, D. Farrah, C. L. Gerardy, R. J. Foley, S. D. Van Dyk, C. Fransson, P. Lundqvist, J. Sollerman, R. Fesen Oct 2009

Dust And The Type Ii-Plateau Supernova 2004et, R. Kotak, W. P. S. Meikle, D. Farrah, C. L. Gerardy, R. J. Foley, S. D. Van Dyk, C. Fransson, P. Lundqvist, J. Sollerman, R. Fesen

Dartmouth Scholarship

We present mid-infrared (MIR) observations of the Type II-plateau supernova (SN) 2004et, obtained with the Spitzer Space Telescope between 64 and 1406 days past explosion. Late-time optical spectra are also presented. For the period 300-795 days past explosion, we argue that the spectral energy distribution (SED) of SN 2004et comprises (1) a hot component due to emission from optically thick gas, as well as free-bound radiation; (2) a warm component due to newly formed, radioactively heated dust in the ejecta; and (3) a cold component due to an IR echo from the interstellar-medium dust of the host galaxy, NGC 6946. …


Subaru High-Resolution Spectroscopy Of Star G In The Tycho Supernova Remnant, Wolfgang E. Kerzendorf, Brian P. Schmidt, M. Asplund, Ken'ichi Nomoto, Ph. Podsiadlowski, Anna Frebel, Robert A. Fesen, David Yong Aug 2009

Subaru High-Resolution Spectroscopy Of Star G In The Tycho Supernova Remnant, Wolfgang E. Kerzendorf, Brian P. Schmidt, M. Asplund, Ken'ichi Nomoto, Ph. Podsiadlowski, Anna Frebel, Robert A. Fesen, David Yong

Dartmouth Scholarship

It is widely believed that Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) originate in binary systems where a white dwarf accretes material from a companion star until its mass approaches the Chandrasekhar mass and carbon is ignited in the white dwarf's core. This scenario predicts that the donor star should survive the supernova (SNe) explosion, providing an opportunity to understand the progenitors of SNe Ia. In this paper, we argue that rotation is a generic signature expected of most nongiant donor stars that is easily measurable. Ruiz-Lapuente et al. examined stars in the center of the remnant of SN 1572 (Tycho SN) …


A High-Resolution Ultraviolet Absorption Spectrum Of Supernova Ejecta In Sn1006, Andrew J. S. Hamilton, Robert A. Fesen, William P. Blair Jul 2007

A High-Resolution Ultraviolet Absorption Spectrum Of Supernova Ejecta In Sn1006, Andrew J. S. Hamilton, Robert A. Fesen, William P. Blair

Dartmouth Scholarship

We report a high-resolution, far-ultraviolet, Space Telescope Imaging Spectrograph (STIS) E140M spectrum of the strong, broad Siii, iii and iv features produced by the ejecta of the supernova of 1006 ad (SN1006) seen in absorption against the background Schweizer–Middleditch OB subdwarf star. The spectrum confirms the extreme sharpness of the red edge of the redshifted Si ii 1260 Å feature, supporting the idea that this edge represents the location of the reverse shock moving into the freely expanding Si-rich ejecta. The expansion velocity of ejecta at the reverse shock is measured to be 7026 ± 3(relative) ±10(absolute) km s−1 …


The Chemical Distribution In A Subluminous Type Ia Supernova: Hubble Space Telescope Images Of The Sn 1885 Remnant, Robert A. Fesen, Peter A. Hoflich, Andrew J. S. Hamilton, Molly C. Hammell Mar 2007

The Chemical Distribution In A Subluminous Type Ia Supernova: Hubble Space Telescope Images Of The Sn 1885 Remnant, Robert A. Fesen, Peter A. Hoflich, Andrew J. S. Hamilton, Molly C. Hammell

Dartmouth Scholarship

SN 1885 was a probable subluminous SN Ia that occurred in the bulge of the Andromeda galaxy, M31, at a projected location 16'' from the nucleus. Here we present and analyze Hubble Space Telescope images of the SN 1885 remnant seen in absorption against the M31 bulge via the resonance lines of Ca I, Ca II, Fe I, and Fe II. Viewed in Ca II H and K line absorption, the remnant appears as a nearly black circular spot with an outermost angular radius of 0.40'' ± 0.025'', implying a maximum linear radius of 1.52 ± 0.15 pc at M31's …


The Asymmetric Explosion Of Type Ia Supernovae As Seen From Near-Infrared Observations, Kentaro Motohara, Keiichi Maeda, Christopher L. Gerardy, Ken'ichi Nomoto, Masaomi Tanaka, Nozomu Tominaga, Takuya Ohkubo, Paolo A. Mazzali, Robert A. Fesen, Peter Hoflich, J. Craig Wheeler Nov 2006

The Asymmetric Explosion Of Type Ia Supernovae As Seen From Near-Infrared Observations, Kentaro Motohara, Keiichi Maeda, Christopher L. Gerardy, Ken'ichi Nomoto, Masaomi Tanaka, Nozomu Tominaga, Takuya Ohkubo, Paolo A. Mazzali, Robert A. Fesen, Peter Hoflich, J. Craig Wheeler

Dartmouth Scholarship

We present near-infrared spectra of late-phase (>200 days) Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) taken at the Subaru Telescope. The [Fe II] line of SN 2003hv shows a clear flat-topped feature, while that of SN 2005W shows a less prominent flatness. In addition, a large shift in their line center, varying from -3000 to 1000 km s-1 with respect to the host galaxies, is seen. Such a shift suggests the occurrence of an off-center, nonspherical explosion in the central region and provides important, new constraints on the explosion models of SNe Ia.


Spitzer Measurements Of Atomic And Molecular Abundances In The Type Iip Sn 2005af, Rubina Kotak, Peter Meikle, Monica Pozzo, Schuyler D. Van Dyk, Duncan Farrah, Robert Fesen, Alexei V. Filippenko, Ryan J. Foley, Claes Fransson, Christopher L. Gerardy, Peter A. Hoflich, Peter Lundqvist, Seppo Mattila, Jesper Sollerman, J. Craig Wheeler Oct 2006

Spitzer Measurements Of Atomic And Molecular Abundances In The Type Iip Sn 2005af, Rubina Kotak, Peter Meikle, Monica Pozzo, Schuyler D. Van Dyk, Duncan Farrah, Robert Fesen, Alexei V. Filippenko, Ryan J. Foley, Claes Fransson, Christopher L. Gerardy, Peter A. Hoflich, Peter Lundqvist, Seppo Mattila, Jesper Sollerman, J. Craig Wheeler

Dartmouth Scholarship

We present results based on mid-infrared (3.6-30 μm) observations with the Spitzer Space Telescope of the nearby Type IIP supernova 2005af. We report the first ever detection of the SiO molecule in a Type IIP supernova. Together with the detection of the CO fundamental, this is an exciting finding as it may signal the onset of dust condensation in the ejecta. From a wealth of fine-structure lines we provide abundance estimates for stable Ni, Ar, and Ne that, via spectral synthesis, may be used to constrain nucleosynthesis models.


A Spitzer Space Telescope Study Of Sn 2002hh: An Infrared Echo From A Type Iip Supernova, W. P. S. Meikle, S. Mattila, C. L. Gerardy, R. Kotak, M. Pozzo, S. D. Van Dyk, D. Farrah, R. A. Fesen Sep 2006

A Spitzer Space Telescope Study Of Sn 2002hh: An Infrared Echo From A Type Iip Supernova, W. P. S. Meikle, S. Mattila, C. L. Gerardy, R. Kotak, M. Pozzo, S. D. Van Dyk, D. Farrah, R. A. Fesen

Dartmouth Scholarship

We present late-time (590-994 days) mid-IR photometry of the normal but highly reddened Type IIP supernova SN 2002hh. Bright, cool, slowly fading emission is detected from the direction of the supernova. Most of this flux appears not to be driven by the supernova event but instead probably originates in a cool, obscured star formation region or molecular cloud along the line of sight. We also show, however, that the declining component of the flux is consistent with an SN-powered IR echo from a dusty progenitor CSM. Mid-IR emission could also be coming from newly condensed dust and/or an ejecta/CSM impact, …


Grb 060218/Sn 2006aj: A Gamma-Ray Burst And Prompt Supernova Atz= 0.0335, N. Mirabal, J. P. Halpern, D. An, J. R. Thorstensen, D. M. Terndrup Jun 2006

Grb 060218/Sn 2006aj: A Gamma-Ray Burst And Prompt Supernova Atz= 0.0335, N. Mirabal, J. P. Halpern, D. An, J. R. Thorstensen, D. M. Terndrup

Dartmouth Scholarship

We report the imaging and spectroscopic localization of GRB 060218 to a low-metallicity dwarf starburst galaxy at z = 0.03345 ± 0.00006. In addition to making it the second nearest gamma-ray burst known, optical spectroscopy reveals the earliest detection of weak, supernova-like Si II near 5720 Å (~0.1c), starting 1.95 days after the burst trigger. UBVRI photometry obtained between 1 and 26 days postburst confirms the early rise of supernova light, and suggests a short time delay between the gamma-ray burst and the onset of SN 2006aj if the early appearance of a soft component in the X-ray …


Absolute Magnitude Distributions And Light Curves Of Stripped-Envelope Supernovae, D. Richardson, D. Branch, E. Baron Apr 2006

Absolute Magnitude Distributions And Light Curves Of Stripped-Envelope Supernovae, D. Richardson, D. Branch, E. Baron

Faculty and Staff Publications

The absolute visual magnitudes of three Type IIb, 11 Type Ib, and 13 Type le supernovae (collectively known as stripped-envelope supernovae) are studied by collecting data on the apparent magnitude, distance, and interstellar extinction of each event. Weighted and unweighted mean absolute magnitudes of the combined sample, as well as various subsets of the sample, are reported. The limited sample size and the considerable uncertainties, especially those associated with extinction in the host galaxies, prevent firm conclusions regarding differences between the absolute magnitudes of supernovae of Types Ib and Ic, and regarding the existence of separate groups of over-luminous and …


Sudden Gravitational Transition, Robert R. Caldwell, William Komp, Leonard Parker, Daniel A. T. Vanzella Jan 2006

Sudden Gravitational Transition, Robert R. Caldwell, William Komp, Leonard Parker, Daniel A. T. Vanzella

Dartmouth Scholarship

We investigate the properties of a cosmological scenario which undergoes a gravitational phase transition at late times. In this scenario, the Universe evolves according to general relativity in the standard, hot big bang picture until a redshift z≲1. Nonperturbative phenomena associated with a minimally-coupled scalar field catalyzes a transition, whereby an order parameter consisting of curvature quantities such as R2, RabRab, RabcdRabcd acquires a constant expectation value. The ensuing cosmic acceleration appears driven by a dark-energy component with an equation-of-state w<−1. We evaluate the constraints from type 1a supernovae, the cosmic microwave background, and other cosmological observations. We find that a range of models making a sharp transition to cosmic acceleration are consistent with observations.


Signature Of Electron Capture In Iron‐Rich Ejecta Of Sn 2003du, Peter Hoflich, Christopher L. Gerardy, Ken-Ichi Nomoto, Kentaro Motohara, Robert A. Fesen Dec 2004

Signature Of Electron Capture In Iron‐Rich Ejecta Of Sn 2003du, Peter Hoflich, Christopher L. Gerardy, Ken-Ichi Nomoto, Kentaro Motohara, Robert A. Fesen

Dartmouth Scholarship

Late-time near-infrared and optical spectra of the normal-bright Type Ia supernova 2003du about 300 days after the explosion are presented. At this late epoch, the emission profiles of well-isolated [Fe II] lines (in particular that of the strong 1.644 μm feature) trace out the global kinematic distribution of radioactive material in the expanding supernova ejecta. In SN 2003du, the 1.644 μm [Fe II] line seems to show a flat-topped profile, indicative of a thick but hollow-centered expanding shell, rather than a strongly peaked profile that would be expected from a "center-filled" distribution. Based on detailed models for exploding Chandrasekhar-mass white …


A Comparative Study Of The Absolute Magnitude Distributions Of Supernovae., D. Richardson, D. Branch, D. Casebeer, J. Millard, R. C. Thomas, E. Baron Feb 2002

A Comparative Study Of The Absolute Magnitude Distributions Of Supernovae., D. Richardson, D. Branch, D. Casebeer, J. Millard, R. C. Thomas, E. Baron

Faculty and Staff Publications

The Asiago Supernova Catalog is used to carry out a comparative study of supernova absolute magnitude distributions. An overview of the absolute magnitudes of the supernovae in the current observational sample is presented, and the evidence for subluminous and overluminous events is examined. The fraction of supernovae that are subluminous (MB> -15) appears to be higher (perhaps much higher) than 1/5 but it remains very uncertain. The fraction that are overluminous (MB > -20) is lower (probably much lower) than 0.01. The absolute magnitude distributions for each supernova type, restricted to events within 1 Gpc, are compared. Although these distributions are …


Detection Of Co And Dust Emission In Near-Infrared Spectra Of Sn 1998s, Christopher L. Gerardy, Robert A. Fesen, Peter Höflich, J. Craig Wheeler Jan 2000

Detection Of Co And Dust Emission In Near-Infrared Spectra Of Sn 1998s, Christopher L. Gerardy, Robert A. Fesen, Peter Höflich, J. Craig Wheeler

Dartmouth Scholarship

Near-infrared spectra (0.95 – 2.4 μ m) of the peculiar Type IIn supernova 1998S in NGC 3877 from 95 to 355 days after maximum light are presented. K -band data taken at days 95 and 225 show the presence of the first overtone of CO emission near 2.3 μ m, which is gone by day 355. An apparent extended blue wing on the CO profile in the day 95 spectrum could indicate a large CO expansion velocity (≈ 2000 – 3000 km s − 1). This is the third detection of infrared CO emission in nearly as many Type II …


The Type Ia Supernova 1998bu In M96 And The Hubble Constant, Saurabh Jha, Peter M. Garnavich, Robert P. Kirshner, Peter Challis, Alicia M. Soderberg, Lucas M. Macri, John P. Huchra, Pauline Barmby, Elizabeth J. Barton, Perry Berlind, Warren R. Brown, Nelson Caldwell, Michael L. Calkins, Sheila J. Kannappan, Daniel M. Koranyi, Michael A. Pahre, Kenneth J. Rines, Krzysztof Z. Stanek, Robert P. Stefanik, Andrew H. Szentgyorgyi, Petri Vaisanen, Zhong Wang, Joseph M. Zajac, Adam G. Riess, Alexei V. Filippenko, Weidong Li, Maryam Modjaz, Richard R. Treffers, Carl W. Hergenrother, Eva K. Grebel, Patrick Seitzer, George H. Jacoby, Priscilla J. Benson, Akbar H. Rizvi '99, Laurence A. Marschall, Jeffrey D. Goldader, Matthew Beasley, William D. Vacca, Bruno Leibundgut, Jason Spyromilio, Brian P. Schmidt, Peter R. Wood Nov 1999

The Type Ia Supernova 1998bu In M96 And The Hubble Constant, Saurabh Jha, Peter M. Garnavich, Robert P. Kirshner, Peter Challis, Alicia M. Soderberg, Lucas M. Macri, John P. Huchra, Pauline Barmby, Elizabeth J. Barton, Perry Berlind, Warren R. Brown, Nelson Caldwell, Michael L. Calkins, Sheila J. Kannappan, Daniel M. Koranyi, Michael A. Pahre, Kenneth J. Rines, Krzysztof Z. Stanek, Robert P. Stefanik, Andrew H. Szentgyorgyi, Petri Vaisanen, Zhong Wang, Joseph M. Zajac, Adam G. Riess, Alexei V. Filippenko, Weidong Li, Maryam Modjaz, Richard R. Treffers, Carl W. Hergenrother, Eva K. Grebel, Patrick Seitzer, George H. Jacoby, Priscilla J. Benson, Akbar H. Rizvi '99, Laurence A. Marschall, Jeffrey D. Goldader, Matthew Beasley, William D. Vacca, Bruno Leibundgut, Jason Spyromilio, Brian P. Schmidt, Peter R. Wood

Physics and Astronomy Faculty Publications

We present optical and near-infrared photometry and spectroscopy of the Type Ia SN 1998bu in the Leo I Group galaxy M96 (NGC 3368). The data set consists of 356 photometric measurements and 29 spectra of SN 1998bu between UT 1998 May 11 and July 15. The well-sampled light curve indicates the supernova reached maximum light in B on UT 1998 May 19.3 (JD 2450952.8^0.8) with B\12.22^0.03 and V \11.88^0.02. Application of a revised version of the Multicolor Light Curve Shape (MLCS) method yields an extinction toward the supernova of AV\0.94^0.15 mag, and indicates the supernova was of average luminosity compared …


Preliminary Results From Comptel On A Search For Gamma-Ray Line Emission From Sn 1991t, G G. Lichti, K Bennett, H Bloemen, H Deboer, M Busetta, W Collmar, A Connors, R Diehl, R Van Dijk, J W. Den Herder, W Hermsen, L Kuiper, J Lockwood, John R. Macri, Mark L. Mcconnell, D Morris, R Much, James M. Ryan, V. Schonfelder, G. Simpson, J G. Stacy, H Steinle, A W. Strong, B Swanenburg, M Varendorff, C De Vries, C Winkler Jan 1993

Preliminary Results From Comptel On A Search For Gamma-Ray Line Emission From Sn 1991t, G G. Lichti, K Bennett, H Bloemen, H Deboer, M Busetta, W Collmar, A Connors, R Diehl, R Van Dijk, J W. Den Herder, W Hermsen, L Kuiper, J Lockwood, John R. Macri, Mark L. Mcconnell, D Morris, R Much, James M. Ryan, V. Schonfelder, G. Simpson, J G. Stacy, H Steinle, A W. Strong, B Swanenburg, M Varendorff, C De Vries, C Winkler

Physics & Astronomy

The COMPTEL experiment aboard the Compton Gamma-Ray Observatory is designed to image celestial gamma-radiation in the energy range from 0.7-30 MeV. With a field of view of 1 sr it is capable of locating strong point sources with an accuracy of better than 0.5 deg. From June 15 to 28, 1991 and a second time from October 3 to 17, 1991 the region containing the supernova SN 1991T was observed by COMPTEL. Here preliminary results from these observations are presented, with special attention to a search for gamma-ray line emission from the supernova.