NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2009B-0294
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NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2009B-0294 |
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PI: D. Andrew Howell, Las Cumbres Observatory / University of California Santa Barbara, ahowell@lcogt.net
Address: 6740 Cortona Dr., Santa Barbara, CA 93111, USA
CoI: Mark Sullivan, Oxford University
CoI: Peter Nugent, Lawrence Berkeley National Lab
CoI: Richard Ellis, Caltech
CoI: Avishay Gal-Yam, Weizmann Institute
CoI: Isobel Hook, Oxford University
Title: UV and Early-time Studies of the Evolution of Type Ia Supernovae
Abstract:
We have found an unexplained diversity in the UV spectra of intermediate
redshift Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) which may arise from variations in
progenitor metallicity. To understand the implications and any
redshift-dependent biases in the use of SNe Ia for measurements of dark
energy, we are undertaking a new HST ToO program from July 2009 - June 2010
to gather UV spectra of 35 local SNe Ia, taking advantage of two new local
"rolling'' transient searches. Our sample also will be unique in having
continuous photometric/spectroscopic coverage from early phases (LCOGT, Lick,
Palomar, Keck, HET, VLT). Here, we seek to exploit the rapid ToO mode of
Gemini N and S to obtain the required very early-phase confirmation spectra
for candidates in 2009B, essential to the success of this program, providing
the classification upon which targets can be scheduled at HST. These rare
early-phase spectra will also offer new opportunities in studying SNe Ia and
their progenitor compositions.
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 > 2009B-0294 |
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