NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2011A-0250
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NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2011A-0250 |
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PI: Howie Marion, Harvard Center for Astrophysics, gmarion@cfa.harvard.edu
Address: OIR, 60 Garden St., Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
CoI: Kevin Krisciunas, Texas A&M
CoI: Peter Garnavich, Notre Dame University
CoI: Ryan Foley, Harvard Center for Astrophysics
CoI: Robert Kirshner, Harvard Center for Astrophysics
Title: Late Time Near-Infrared Spectra from Type Ia Supernovae
Abstract:
We propose to use the Hale Telescope with TripleSpec to obtain NIR
spectra from Type Ia Supernovae (SNe Ia) at epochs up to ten weeks later
than is possible with most other telescopes. Quality late-time NIR
spectra will probe deep into the core of the supernova in a wavelength
region at which this has not been possible. These observations will be
coordinated with NIR photometry conducted by PAIRITEL and other optical
observations. SNe Ia are superior standard candles in the NIR than they
are at optical wavelengths, but unexplained dispersion in the measured
brightness of individual events remains a significant obstacle to
improvements in the use of SNe Ia for cosmology. Low numbers of both
NIR spectra and light curves make it difficult to correlate NIR spectral
behavior with the observed dispersion in brightness and this problem is
acute for data obtained later than 30 days post-maximum. The proposed
observations will permit comparisons of the evolution of NIR spectral
features to NIR light curves between 30 and 90 days after maximum.
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-0250 |
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