NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2009A-0089
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NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2009A-0089 |
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PI: Avishay Gal-Yam, Weizmann Institute of Science, avishay.gal-yam@weizmann.ac.il
Address: Astrophysics group, 1 Herzl St., Rehovot 76100, Israel
CoI: Douglas Leonard, San Diego State University
CoI: Derek Fox, The Pennsylvania State University
Title: Identifying progenitors of core-collapse supernovae
Abstract:
Observations of massive stars - before they explode - provide a
direct identification of SN progenitors. Such studies require the
combination of a deep, high-resolution image of the SN location,
serendipitously obtained before it exploded, with a precise localization
of the SN (after it exploded) to enable us to select the correct
progenitor from among the stars in the pre-explosion SN images. After
decades of effort, only nine SN progenitors have so far been detected (6
during the last 5 years). About twice a year a nearby SN is discovered
in an area previously observed by HST. The few recent identifications
were mainly based on repeat HST post-explosion imaging for this purpose.
A better alternative for SN localization is now provided by laser-guide-
star assisted adaptive optics systems (LGS-AO), as we have initially
demonstrated using the Keck LGS system. Here, we propose to continue
our successful program (2006-2008) to use NIRI+ALTAIR in LGS mode to
localize nearby SNe and identify their progenitors. A minimal Gemini
allocation (1 hour) leveraged by superb archival HST data will provide
exciting results. With each additional progenitor identified and
studied, we move closer to a robust mapping of specific progenitors to
each SN class, a key to understanding the physics of these powerful
cosmic explosions.
National Optical Astronomy Observatory, 950 North Cherry Avenue, P.O. Box 26732, Tucson, Arizona 85726, Phone: (520) 318-8000, Fax: (520) 318-8360
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NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2009A-0089 |
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