NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2011A-0189
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NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2011A-0189 |
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PI: Ginger Bryngelson, Clemson University, gbrynge@clemson.edu
Address: Physics Department, 118 Kinard Laboratory, Clemson,, South Carolina 29634-0978, USA
CoI: Mark Leising, Clemson University
CoI: Peter Milne, Steward Observatory
Title: Physics of Supernovae Ia at Late Epochs
Abstract: We continue and extend studies of the late light curves of nearby Type Ia supernovae in the optical and near-infrared. Our goal is to measure the color evolution to late enough epochs to measure the shift of power (as seen already in a few Supernovae) into the near infrared, and perhaps observe the as yet unobserved subsequent decline of the NIR light curve. With these observations, we can explore the thermodynamics of the ejecta, including the possibility of the thermal instability known as the infrared catastrophe. This will hint at the explosion mechanism and allow us to connect late time behavior to luminosity class. We should also be able to detect the escape of ^56Co positrons. These late studies probe the intrinsic variations in SN Ia physics, which are vital to understanding to what extent they can be relied upon for cosmological studies.
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 > 2011A-0189 |
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