NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2011B-0482
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NOAO > Observing Info > Approved Programs > 2011B-0482 |
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PI: Michael Wood-Vasey, University of Pittsburgh, wmwv@pitt.edu
Address: Physics Department, 3941 O'Hara Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15260
CoI: Peter Garnavich, University of Notre Dame
CoI: Thomas Matheson, NOAO
CoI: Saurabh Jha, Rutgers University
CoI: Armin Rest, Space Telescope Science Institute
CoI: Lori Allen, NOAO
Title: Type Ia Supernova as Standard Candles in the Near Infrared
Abstract: We propose to observe 15 SNeIa in the near infrared (NIR) with WHIRC on the WIYN telescope during 12 nights of bright time in 2011B. These observations will create an infrared Hubble diagram extending to z~0.1 to verify recent evidence that SNIa are excellent standard candles in the NIR. We will observe 15 SNeIa at 0.02<z<0.08 to verify this relationship out to cosmological distances. We will more intensively observe 5 of the nearest SNeIa to obtain detailed late-time light curves to measure SNIa color evolution in the near infrared where dust extinction is significantly reduced. In addition these NIR data will allow us to (1) explore the recent correlation between optical luminosity and host galaxy mass; (2) improve our understanding of intrinsic colors of SNeIa, (3) and study the nature of dust in galaxies beyond our Milky Way. Our ideal observing plan would consist of nights spaced every three days in each of four consecutive lunations in 2011B. This is a pilot proposal. If successful, this project will lead to a larger survey to obtain NIR luminosity distances to 100 SNeIa out to z<0.1 to provide a solid anchor for measuring luminosity distances in the Universe. We are not asking for long-term status at this time.
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-0482 |
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