NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2011B-0397
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NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2011B-0397 |
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PI: Bradley E. Schaefer, Louisiana State University, schaefer@lsu.edu
Address: Department of Physics and Astronomy, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, LA 70803, USA
CoI: Ashley Pagnotta, Louisiana State University
Title: Solving the Type Ia Supernova Progenitor Problem By Identifying the Ex- Companion Stars in Three LMC Supernova Remnants of Confident Type Ia Events
Abstract:
We propose to examine the centers of three LMC supernova remnants
(that are known to be from Type Ia supernovae due to the spectra of
their light echoes) for ex-companion stars of the progenitor. The
various progenitor possibilities all leave behind distinct ex-companion
stars: recurrent novae leave behind red giants and subgiants, symbiotic
stars leave behind only large red giants, supersoft sources leave behind
subgiants or fairly massive main sequence stars, while double-degenerate
systems leave behind no ex-companion. Any ex-companion in the LMC must
be brighter than V=24 and lie within a few arc-seconds of the geometric
center of the remnant, and the star density will have only few stars in
the error ellipse. We will recognize the ex-companions by their high
radial velocity, blue-shifted wings on the iron lines, or high
rotational velocity. The Type Ia progenitor problem has been identified
as one of the most important questions in current astrophysics by the
Decadal Review, and we propose a practical way to solve the problem for
three specific Ia supernovae.
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 > 2011B-0397 |
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