| 1. |
- Pastorello, A., et al.
(author)
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Forbidden hugs in pandemic times II. The luminous red nova variety AT 2020hat and AT 2020kog
- 2021
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In: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - : EDP Sciences. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 647
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We present the results of our monitoring campaigns of the luminous red novae (LRNe) AT 2020hat in NGC 5068 and AT 2020kog in NGC 6106. The two objects were imaged (and detected) before their discovery by routine survey operations. They show a general trend of slow luminosity rise, lasting at least a few months. The subsequent major LRN outbursts were extensively followed in photometry and spectroscopy. The light curves present an initial short-duration peak, followed by a redder plateau phase. AT 2020kog is a moderately luminous event peaking at similar to 7 x 10(40) erg s(-1), while AT 2020hat is almost one order of magnitude fainter than AT 2020kog, although it is still more luminous than V838 Mon. In analogy with other LRNe, the spectra of AT 2020kog change significantly with time. They resemble those of type TM supernovae at early phases, then they become similar to those of K-type stars during the plateau, and to M-type stars at very late phases. In contrast, AT 2020hat already shows a redder continuum at early epochs, and its spectrum shows the late appearance of molecular bands. A moderate-resolution spectrum of AT 2020hat taken at +37 d after maximum shows a forest of narrow P Cygni lines of metals with velocities of 180 km s(-1), along with an Ha emission with a full-width at half-maximum velocity of 250 km s(-1). For AT 2020hat, a robust constraint on its quiescent progenitor is provided by archival images of the Hubble Space Telescope. The progenitor is clearly detected as a mid-K type star, with an absolute magnitude of M-F606W = -3.33 +/- 0.09 mag and a colour of F606W - F814W = 1.14 +/- 0.05 mag, which are inconsistent with the expectations from a massive star that could later produce a core-collapse supernova. Although quite peculiar, the two objects nicely match the progenitor versus light curve absolute magnitude correlations discussed in the literature.
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| 2. |
- DerKacy, J. M., et al.
(author)
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SN 2021fxy : mid-ultraviolet flux suppression is a common feature of Type Ia supernovae
- 2023
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In: Monthly notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. - 0035-8711 .- 1365-2966. ; 522:3, s. 3481-3505
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We present ultraviolet (UV) to near-infrared (NIR) observations and analysis of the nearby Type Ia supernova SN 2021fxy. Our observations include UV photometry from Swift/UVOT, UV spectroscopy from HST/STIS, and high-cadence optical photometry with the Swope 1-m telescope capturing intranight rises during the early light curve. Early B - V colours show SN 2021fxy is the first 'shallow-silicon' (SS) SN Ia to follow a red-to-blue evolution, compared to other SS objects which show blue colours from the earliest observations. Comparisons to other spectroscopically normal SNe Ia with HST UV spectra reveal SN 2021fxy is one of several SNe Ia with flux suppression in the mid-UV. These SNe also show blueshifted mid-UV spectral features and strong high-velocity Ca ii features. One possible origin of this mid-UV suppression is the increased effective opacity in the UV due to increased line blanketing from high velocity material, but differences in the explosion mechanism cannot be ruled out. Among SNe Ia with mid-UV suppression, SNe 2021fxy and 2017erp show substantial similarities in their optical properties despite belonging to different Branch subgroups, and UV flux differences of the same order as those found between SNe 2011fe and 2011by. Differential comparisons to multiple sets of synthetic SN Ia UV spectra reveal this UV flux difference likely originates from a luminosity difference between SNe 2021fxy and 2017erp, and not differing progenitor metallicities as suggested for SNe 2011by and 2011fe. These comparisons illustrate the complicated nature of UV spectral formation, and the need for more UV spectra to determine the physical source of SNe Ia UV diversity.
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| 3. |
- Galbany, L., et al.
(author)
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An updated measurement of the Hubble constant from near-infrared observations of Type Ia supernovae
- 2023
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In: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 679
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We present a measurement of the Hubble constant (H0) using type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) in the near-infrared (NIR) from the recently updated sample of SNe Ia in nearby galaxies with distances measured via Cepheid period-luminosity relations by the SH0ES project. We collected public near-infrared photometry of up to 19 calibrator SNe Ia and 57 SNe Ia in the Hubble flow (z > 0.01), and directly measured their peak magnitudes in the J- and H-band by Gaussian processes and spline interpolation. Calibrator peak magnitudes together with Cepheid-based distances were used to estimate the average absolute magnitude in each band, while Hubble-flow SNe were used to constrain the zero-point intercept of the magnitude–redshift relation. Our baseline result of H0 is 72.3 ± 1.4 (stat) ±1.4 (syst) km s−1 Mpc−1 in the J-band and 72.3 ± 1.3 (stat) ±1.4 (syst) km s−1 Mpc−1 in the H-band, where the systematic uncertainties include the standard deviation of up to 21 variations of the analysis, the 0.7% distance scale systematic from SH0ES Cepheid anchors, a photometric zero-point systematic, and a cosmic variance systematic. Our final measurement represents a measurement with a precision of 2.8% in both bands. Among all the analysis variants, the largest change in H0 comes from limiting the sample to those SNe from the CSP and CfA programs; they are noteworthy because they are the best calibrated, yielding H0 ∼ 75 km s−1 Mpc−1 in both bands. We explore applying stretch and reddening corrections to standardize SN Ia NIR peak magnitudes, and we demonstrate that they are still useful to reduce the absolute magnitude scatter and, which improves its standardization, at least up to the H-band. Based on our results, in order to improve the precision of the H0 measurement with SNe Ia in the NIR in the future, we would need to increase the number of calibrator SNe Ia, to be able to extend the Hubble–Lemaître diagram to higher redshift, and to include standardization procedures to help reduce the NIR intrinsic scatter.
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| 4. |
- Kool, Erik C., et al.
(author)
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SN 2020bqj : A Type Ibn supernova with a long-lasting peak plateau
- 2021
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In: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - : EDP Sciences. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 652
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Context. Type Ibn supernovae (SNe Ibn) are a rare class of stripped envelope supernovae interacting with a helium-rich circumstellar medium (CSM). The majority of the SNe Ibn reported in the literature display a surprising homogeneity in their fast-evolving lightcurves and are typically found in actively starforming spiral galaxies.Aims. We present the discovery and the study of SN 2020bqj (ZTF20aalrqbu), a SN Ibn with a long-duration peak plateau lasting 40 days and hosted by a faint low-mass galaxy. We aim to explain its peculiar properties using an extensive photometric and spectroscopic data set.Methods. We compare the photometric and spectral evolution of SN 2020bqj with regular SNe Ibn from the literature, as well as with other outliers in the SN Ibn subclass. We fit the bolometric and multi-band lightcurves with powering mechanism models such as radioactive decay and CSM interaction. We also model the host galaxy of SN 2020bqj.Results. The risetime, peak magnitude and spectral features of SN 2020bqj are consistent with those of most SNe Ibn, but the SN is a clear outlier in the subclass based on its bright, long-lasting peak plateau and the low mass of its faint host galaxy. We show through modeling that the lightcurve of SN 2020bqj can be powered predominantly by shock heating from the interaction of the SN ejecta and a dense CSM, combined with radioactive decay. The peculiar Type Ibn SN 2011hw is a close analog to SN 2020bqj in terms of lightcurve and spectral evolution, suggesting a similar progenitor and CSM scenario. In this scenario a very massive progenitor star in the transitional phase between a luminous blue variable and a compact Wolf-Rayet star undergoes core-collapse, embedded in a dense helium-rich CSM with an elevated opacity compared to normal SNe Ibn, due to the presence of residual hydrogen. This scenario is consistent with the observed properties of SN 2020bqj and the modeling results.Conclusions. SN 2020bqj is a compelling example of a transitional SN Ibn/IIn based on not only its spectral features, but also its lightcurve, host galaxy properties and the inferred progenitor properties. The strong similarity with SN 2011hw suggests this subclass may be the result of a progenitor in a stellar evolution phase that is distinct from those of progenitors of regular SNe Ibn.
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| 5. |
- Prentice, S. J., et al.
(author)
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Investigating the properties of stripped-envelope supernovae; what are the implications for their progenitors?
- 2019
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In: Monthly notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 0035-8711 .- 1365-2966. ; 485:2, s. 1559-1578
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We present observations and analysis of 18 stripped-envelope supernovae observed during 2013-2018. This sample consists of five H/He-rich SNe, sixH-poor/He-rich SNe, three narrow lined SNe Ic, and four broad lined SNe Ic. The peak luminosity and characteristic time-scales of the bolometric light curves are calculated, and the light curves modelled to derive Ni-56 and ejecta masses (M-Ni and M-cj). Additionally, the temperature evolution and spectral line velocity curves of each SN are examined. Analysis of the [O I] line in the nebular phase of eight SNe suggests their progenitors had initial masses < 20 M-circle dot. The bolometric light curve properties are examined in combination with those of other SE events from the literature. The resulting data set gives the M-ej distribution for 80 SE-SNe, the largest such sample in the literature to date, and shows that SNe Ib have the lowest median M-ej, followed by narrow-lined SNe Ic, H/He-rich SNe, broad-lined SNe Ic, and finally gamma-ray burst SNe. SNe Ic-6/7 show the largest spread of M-ej ranging from similar to 1.2-11 M-circle dot, considerably greater than any other subtype. For all SE-SNe = 2.8 +/- 1.5 M-circle dot which further strengthens the evidence that SE-SNe arise from low-mass progenitors which are typically <5 M-circle dot at the time of explosion, again suggesting M-ZAMS < 25 M-circle dot. The low and lack of clear bimodality in the distribution implies < 30 M-circle dot progenitors and that envelope stripping via binary interaction is the dominant evolutionary pathway of these SNe.
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| 6. |
- Stritzinger, M. D., et al.
(author)
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The carbon-rich type Ic supernova 2016adj in the iconic dust lane of Centaurus A : Potential signatures of an interaction with circumstellar hydrogen
- 2024
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In: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 686
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We present a comprehensive data set of supernova (SN) 2016adj located within the central dust lane of Centaurus A. SN 2016adj is significantly reddened and after correcting the peak apparent B-band magnitude (mB = 17.48 ± 0.05) for Milky Way reddening and our inferred host-galaxy reddening parameters (i.e., RVhost = 5.7±0.7 and AVhost = 6.3 ± 0.2 mag), we estimated it reached a peak absolute magnitude of MB ∼ −18. A detailed inspection of the optical and near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopic time series reveals a carbon-rich SN Ic and not a SN Ib/IIb as previously suggested in the literature. The NIR spectra show prevalent carbon-monoxide formation occurring already by +41 days past B-band maximum, which is ≈11 days earlier than previously reported in the literature for this object. Interestingly, around two months past maximum, the NIR spectrum of SN 2016adj begins to exhibit H features, with a +97 days medium resolution spectrum revealing both Paschen and Bracket lines with absorption minima of ∼2000 km s−1, full-width-half-maximum emission velocities of ∼1000 km s−1, and emission line ratios consistent with a dense emission region. We speculate that these attributes are due to a circumstellar interaction (CSI) between the rapidly expanding SN ejecta and a H-rich shell of material that formed during the pre-SN phase. A bolometric light curve was constructed and a semi-analytical model fit suggests the SN synthesized 0.5 M⊙ of 56Ni and ejected 4.7 M⊙ of material, though these values should be approached with caution given the large uncertainties associated with the adopted reddening parameters and known light echo emission. Finally, inspection of the Hubble Space Telescope archival data yielded no progenitor detection.
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| 7. |
- Stritzinger, M. D., et al.
(author)
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The Carnegie Supernova Project II : Observations of the luminous red nova AT 2014ej
- 2020
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In: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - : EDP Sciences. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 639
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We present optical and near-infrared broadband photometry and optical spectra of AT 2014ej from the Carnegie Supernova Project-II. These observations are complemented with data from the CHilean Automatic Supernova sEarch, the Public ESO Spectroscopic Survey of Transient Objects, and from the Backyard Observatory Supernova Search. Observational signatures of AT 2014ej reveal that it is similar to other members of the gap-transient subclass known as luminous red novae (LRNe), including the ubiquitous double-hump light curve and spectral properties similar to that of LRN SN 2017jfs. A medium-dispersion visual-wavelength spectrum of AT 2014ej taken with the Magellan Clay telescope exhibits a P Cygni H alpha feature characterized by a blue velocity at zero intensity of approximate to 110 km s(-1) and a P Cygni minimum velocity of approximate to 70 km s(-1). We attribute this to emission from a circumstellar wind. Inspection of pre-outbust Hubble Space Telescope images yields no conclusive progenitor detection. In comparison with a sample of LRNe from the literature, AT 2014ej lies at the brighter end of the luminosity distribution. Comparison of the ultra-violet, optical, infrared light curves of well-observed LRNe to common-envelope evolution models from the literature indicates that the models underpredict the luminosity of the comparison sample at all phases and also produce inconsistent timescales of the secondary peak. Future efforts to model LRNe should expand upon the current parameter space we explore here and therefore may consider more massive systems and a wider range of dynamical timescales.
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| 8. |
- Fremling, Christoffer, et al.
(author)
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PTF12os and iPTF13bvn. Two stripped-envelope supernovae from low-mass progenitors in NGC 5806
- 2016
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In: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - : EDP Sciences. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 593
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Context. We investigate two stripped-envelope supernovae (SNe) discovered in the nearby galaxy NGC 5806 by the (intermediate) Palomar Transient Factory [(i)PTF]. These SNe, designated PTF12os/SN 2012P and iPTF13bvn, exploded within ~520 days of one another at a similar distance from the host-galaxy center. We classify PTF12os as a Type IIb SN based on our spectral sequence; iPTF13bvn has previously been classified as Type Ib having a likely progenitor with zero age main sequence (ZAMS) mass below ~17 M⊙. Because of the shared and nearby host, we are presented with a unique opportunity to compare these two SNe.Aims. Our main objective is to constrain the explosion parameters of iPTF12os and iPTF13bvn, and to put constraints on the SN progenitors. We also aim to spatially map the metallicity in the host galaxy, and to investigate the presence of hydrogen in early-time spectra of both SNe.Methods. We present comprehensive datasets collected on PTF12os and iPTF13bvn, and introduce a new automatic reference-subtraction photometry pipeline (FPipe) currently in use by the iPTF. We perform a detailed study of the light curves (LCs) and spectral evolution of the SNe. The bolometric LCs are modeled using the hydrodynamical code hyde. We analyze early spectra of both SNe to investigate the presence of hydrogen; for iPTF13bvn we also investigate the regions of the Paschen lines in infrared spectra. We perform spectral line analysis of helium and iron lines to map the ejecta structure of both SNe. We use nebular models and late-time spectroscopy to constrain the ZAMS mass of the progenitors. We also perform image registration of ground-based images of PTF12os to archival HST images of NGC 5806 to identify a potential progenitor candidate.Results. We find that our nebular spectroscopy of iPTF13bvn remains consistent with a low-mass progenitor, likely having a ZAMS mass of ~12M⊙. Our late-time spectroscopy of PTF12os is consistent with a ZAMS mass of ~15M⊙. We successfully identify a source in pre-explosion HST images coincident with PTF12os. The colors and absolute magnitude of this object are consistent between pre-explosion and late-time HST images, implying it is a cluster of massive stars. Our hydrodynamical modeling suggests that the progenitor of PTF12os had a compact He core with a mass of 3.25+ 0.77-0.56M⊙ at the time of the explosion, which had a total kinetic energy of 0.54+ 0.41-0.25 × 1051 erg and synthesized 0.063+ 0.020-0.011M⊙ of strongly mixed 56Ni. Spectral comparisons to the Type IIb SN 2011dh indicate that the progenitor of PTF12os was surrounded by a thin hydrogen envelope with a mass lower than 0.02M⊙. We also find tentative evidence that the progenitor of iPTF13bvn could have been surrounded by a small amount of hydrogen prior to the explosion. This result is supported by possible weak signals of hydrogen in both optical and infrared spectra.
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| 9. |
- Pastorello, A., et al.
(author)
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Forbidden hugs in pandemic times I. Luminous red nova AT 2019zhd, a new merger in M 31
- 2021
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In: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - : EDP Sciences. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 646
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We present the follow-up campaign of the luminous red nova (LRN) AT 2019zhd, the third event of this class observed in M 31. The object was followed by several sky surveys for about five months before the outburst, during which it showed a slow luminosity rise. In this phase, the absolute magnitude ranged from M-r=-2.8 +/- 0.2 mag to M-r=-5.6 +/- 0.1 mag. Then, over a four to five day period, AT 2019zhd experienced a major brightening, reaching a peak of M-r=-9.61 +/- 0.08 mag and an optical luminosity of 1.4x10(39) erg s(-1). After a fast decline, the light curve settled onto a short-duration plateau in the red bands. Although less pronounced, this feature is reminiscent of the second red maximum observed in other LRNe. This phase was followed by a rapid linear decline in all bands. At maximum, the spectra show a blue continuum with prominent Balmer emission lines. The post-maximum spectra show a much redder continuum, resembling that of an intermediate-type star. In this phase, H alpha becomes very weak, H beta is no longer detectable, and a forest of narrow absorption metal lines now dominate the spectrum. The latest spectra, obtained during the post-plateau decline, show a very red continuum (T-eff approximate to 3000 K) with broad molecular bands of TiO, similar to those of M-type stars. The long-lasting, slow photometric rise observed before the peak resembles that of LRN V1309 Sco, which was interpreted as the signature of the common-envelope ejection. The subsequent outburst is likely due to the gas outflow following a stellar merging event. The inspection of archival HST images taken 22 years before the LRN discovery reveals a faint red source (M-F555W=0.21 +/- 0.14 mag, with F555W-F814W=2.96 +/- 0.12 mag) at the position of AT 2019zhd, which is the most likely quiescent precursor. The source is consistent with expectations for a binary system including a predominant M5-type star.
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| 10. |
- Roy, Rupak, et al.
(author)
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SN 2012aa : A transient between Type Ibc core-collapse and superluminous supernovae
- 2016
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In: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - : EDP Sciences. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 596
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Context. Research on supernovae (SNe) over the past decade has confirmed that there is a distinct class of events which are much more luminous (by similar to 2 mag) than canonical core-collapse SNe (CCSNe). These events with visual peak magnitudes less than or similar to-21 are called superluminous SNe (SLSNe). The mechanism that powers the light curves of SLSNe is still not well understood. The proposed scenarios are circumstellar interaction, the emergence of a magnetar after core collapse, or disruption of a massive star through pair production. Aims. There are a few intermediate events which have luminosities between these two classes. They are important for constraining the nature of the progenitors of these two different populations and their environments and powering mechanisms. Here we study one such object, SN 2012aa. Methods. We observed and analysed the evolution of the luminous Type Ic SN 2012aa. The event was discovered by the Lick Observatory Supernova Search in an anonymous galaxy (z approximate to 0.08). The optical photometric and spectroscopic follow-up observations were conducted over a time span of about 120 days. Results. With an absolute V-band peak of similar to-20 mag, the SN is an intermediate-luminosity transient between regular SNe Ibc and SLSNe. SN 2012aa also exhibits an unusual secondary bump after the maximum in its light curve. For SN 2012aa, we interpret this as a manifestation of SN-shock interaction with the circumstellar medium (CSM). If we assume a Ni-56-powered ejecta, the quasi-bolometric light curve requires roughly 1.3 M-circle dot of Ni-56 and an ejected mass of similar to 14 M-circle dot. This also implies a high kinetic energy of the explosion, similar to 5.4 x 10(51) erg. On the other hand, the unusually broad light curve along with the secondary peak indicate the possibility of interaction with CSM. The third alternative is the presence of a central engine releasing spin energy that eventually powers the light curve over a long time. The host of SN 2012aa is a star-forming Sa/Sb/Sbc galaxy. Conclusions. Although the spectral properties of SN 2012aa and its velocity evolution are comparable to those of normal SNe Ibc, its broad light curve along with a large peak luminosity distinguish it from canonical CCSNe, suggesting that the event is an intermediate-luminosity transient between CCSNe and SLSNe at least in terms of peak luminosity. In comparison to other SNe, we argue that SN 2012aa belongs to a subclass where CSM interaction plays a significant role in powering the SN, at least during the initial stages of evolution.
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