1. |
- Amanullah, Rahman, et al.
(author)
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PERTURBATIONS OF SNe Ia LIGHT CURVES, COLORS, AND SPECTRAL FEATURES BY CIRCUMSTELLAR DUST
- 2011
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In: Astrophysical Journal. - 0004-637X .- 1538-4357. ; 735:1, s. 20-
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- It has been suggested that multiple scattering on circumstellar dust could explain the non-standard reddening observed in the line of sight to Type Ia supernovae. In this work, we use Monte Carlo simulations to examine how the scattered light would affect the shape of optical light curves and spectral features. We find that the effects on the light curve widths, apparent time evolution of color excess, and blending of spectral features originating at different photospheric velocities should allow for tests of the circumstellar dust hypothesis on a case by case basis. Our simulations also show that for circumstellar shells with radii r = 10(16)-10(19) cm, the light curve modifications are well described by the empirical Delta m(15) parameter and intrinsic color variations of order sigma(BV) = 0.05-0.1 arise naturally. For large shell radii an excess light curve tail is expected in B-band, as observed in, e.g., SN2006X.
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2. |
- Amanullah, Rahman, et al.
(author)
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Spectra and Hubble Space Telescope Light Curves of Six Type Ia Supernovae at 0.511 < z < 1.12 and the Union2 Compilation
- 2010
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In: Astrophysical Journal. - 0004-637X .- 1538-4357. ; 716, s. 712-738
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We report on work to increase the number of well-measured Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) at high redshifts. Light curves, including high signal-to-noise Hubble Space Telescope data, and spectra of six SNe Ia that were discovered during 2001, are presented. Additionally, for the two SNe with z > 1, we present ground-based J-band photometry from Gemini and the Very Large Telescope. These are among the most distant SNe Ia for which ground-based near-IR observations have been obtained. We add these six SNe Ia together with other data sets that have recently become available in the literature to the Union compilation. We have made a number of refinements to the Union analysis chain, the most important ones being the refitting of all light curves with the SALT2 fitter and an improved handling of systematic errors. We call this new compilation, consisting of 557 SNe, the Union2 compilation. The flat concordance ΛCDM model remains an excellent fit to the Union2 data with the best-fit constant equation-of-state parameter w = -0.997+0.050 -0.054(stat)+0.077 -0.082(stat + sys together) for a flat universe, or w = -1.038+0.056 -0.059(stat)+0.093 -0.097(stat + sys together) with curvature. We also present improved constraints on w(z). While no significant change in w with redshift is detected, there is still considerable room for evolution in w. The strength of the constraints depends strongly on redshift. In particular, at z >~ 1, the existence and nature of dark energy are only weakly constrained by the data. Based in part on observations made with the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope, obtained from the data archive at the Space Telescope Science Institute (STScI). STScI is operated by the Association of Universities for Research in Astronomy (AURA), Inc. under the NASA contract NAS 5-26555. The observations are associated with programs HST-GO-08585 and HST-GO-09075. Based, in part, on observations obtained at the ESO La Silla Paranal Observatory (ESO programs 67.A-0361 and 169.A-0382). Based, in part, on observations obtained at the Cerro-Tololo Inter-American Observatory (CTIO), National Optical Astronomy Observatory (NOAO). Based on observations obtained at the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope (CFHT). Based, in part, on observations obtained at the Gemini Observatory (Gemini programs GN-2001A-SV-19 and GN-2002A-Q-31). Based, in part on observations obtained at the Subaru Telescope. Based, in part, on data that were obtained at the W. M. Keck Observatory.
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3. |
- Amanullah, Rahman, et al.
(author)
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THE PECULIAR EXTINCTION LAW OF SN 2014J MEASURED WITH THE HUBBLE SPACE TELESCOPE
- 2014
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In: Astrophysical Journal Letters. - 2041-8205 .- 2041-8213. ; 788:2, s. L21-
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The wavelength dependence of the extinction of Type Ia SN 2014J in the nearby galaxy M82 has been measured using UV to near-IR photometry obtained with the Hubble Space Telescope, the Nordic Optical Telescope, and the Mount Abu Infrared Telescope. This is the first time that the reddening of an SN Ia is characterized over the full wavelength range of 0.2-2 mu m. A total-to-selective extinction, R-V >= 3.1, is ruled out with high significance. The best fit at maximum using a Galactic type extinction law yields R-V = 1.4 +/- 0.1. The observed reddening of SN 2014J is also compatible with a power-law extinction, A(lambda)/A(V) = (lambda/lambda(V))(p) as expected from multiple scattering of light, with p = -2.1 +/- 0.1. After correcting for differences in reddening, SN 2014J appears to be very similar to SN 2011 fe over the 14 broadband filter light curves used in our study.
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4. |
- Goobar, Ariel, et al.
(author)
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THE RISE OF SN 2014J IN THE NEARBY GALAXY M82
- 2014
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In: Astrophysical Journal Letters. - 2041-8205 .- 2041-8213. ; 784:1
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We report on the discovery of SN 2014J in the nearby galaxy M82. Given its proximity, it offers the best opportunity to date to study a thermonuclear supernova (SN) over a wide range of the electromagnetic spectrum. Optical, near-IR, and mid-IR observations on the rising light curve, orchestrated by the intermediate Palomar Transient Factory, show that SN 2014J is a spectroscopically normal Type Ia supernova (SN Ia), albeit exhibiting high-velocity features in its spectrum and heavily reddened by dust in the host galaxy. Our earliest detections start just hours after the fitted time of explosion. We use high-resolution optical spectroscopy to analyze the dense intervening material and do not detect any evolution in the resolved absorption features during the light curve rise. Similar to other highly reddened SNe Ia, a low value of total-to-selective extinction, R-V less than or similar to 2, provides the best match to our observations. We also study pre-explosion optical and near-IR images from Hubble Space Telescope with special emphasis on the sources nearest to the SN location.
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5. |
- Johansson, Joel, et al.
(author)
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Herschel limits on far-infrared emission from circumstellar dust around three nearby Type Ia supernovae
- 2013
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In: Monthly notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 0035-8711 .- 1365-2966 .- 1745-3933 .- 1745-3925. ; 431:1, s. L43-L47
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We report upper limits on dust emission at far-infrared (IR) wavelengths from three nearby Type Ia supernovae: SNe 2011by, 2011fe and 2012cg. Observations were carried out at 70 and 160 mu m with the Photodetector Array Camera and Spectrometer onboard the Herschel Space Observatory. None of the supernovae were detected in the far-IR, allowing us to place upper limits on the amount of pre-existing dust in the circumstellar environment. Due to its proximity, SN 2011fe provides the tightest constraints, M-dust less than or similar to 7 x 10(-3)M(circle dot) at a 3 sigma level for dust temperatures T-dust similar to 500K assuming silicate or graphite dust grains of size a = 0.1 mu m. For SNe 2011by and 2012cg the corresponding upper limits are less stringent, with M-dust less than or similar to 10(-1)M(circle dot) for the same assumptions.
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6. |
- Morokuma, Tomoki, et al.
(author)
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Subaru FOCAS Spectroscopic Observations of High-Redshift Supernovae
- 2010
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In: Nippon Tenmon Gakkai obun kenkyu hokoku. - 0004-6264. ; 62:1, s. 19-37
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We present spectra of high-redshift supernovae (SNe) that were taken with the Subaru low-resolution optical spectrograph, FOCAS. These SNe were found in SN surveys with Suprime-Cam on Subaru, the CFH12k camera on the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope, and the Advanced Camera for Surveys on the Hubble Space Telescope. These SN surveys specifically targeted z > 1 Type la supernovae (SNe Ia). From the spectra of 39 candidates, we obtained redshifts for 32 candidates and spectroscopically identified 7 active candidates as probable SNe Ia, including one at z = 1.35, which is the most distant SN la to be spectroscopically confirmed with a ground-based telescope. An additional 4 candidates were identified as likely SNe la from the spectrophotometric properties of their host galaxies. Seven candidates are not SNe la, either being SNe of another type or active galactic nuclei. When SNe la were observed within one week of the maximum light, we found that we could spectroscopically identify most of them up to z = 1.1. Beyond this redshift, very few candidates were spectroscopically identified as SNe Ia. The current generation of super red-sensitive, fringe-free CCDs will push this redshift limit higher.
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7. |
- Nordin, J., et al.
(author)
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Lensed Type Ia supernovae as probes of cluster mass models
- 2014
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In: Monthly notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 0035-8711 .- 1365-2966. ; 440:3, s. 2742-2754
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Using three magnified Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) detected behind CLASH (Cluster Lensing and Supernovae with Hubble) clusters, we perform a first pilot study to see whether standardizable candles can be used to calibrate cluster mass maps created from strong lensing observations. Such calibrations will be crucial when next-generation Hubble Space Telescope cluster surveys (e.g. Frontier) provide magnification maps that will, in turn, form the basis for the exploration of the high-redshift Universe. We classify SNe using combined photometric and spectroscopic observations, finding two of the three to be clearly of Type Ia and the third probable. The SNe exhibit significant amplification, up to a factor of 1.7 at similar to 5 Sigma significance (SN-L2). We conducted this as a blind study to avoid fine-tuning of parameters, finding a mean amplification difference between SNe and the cluster lensing models of 0.09 +/- 0.09(stat) +/- 0.05(sys) mag. This impressive agreement suggests no tension between cluster mass models and high-redshift-standardized SNe Ia. However, the measured statistical dispersion of Sigma(mu) = 0.21 mag appeared large compared to the dispersion expected based on statistical uncertainties (0.14). Further work with the SN and cluster lensing models, post-unblinding, reduced the measured dispersion to Sigma(mu) = 0.12. An explicit choice should thus be made as to whether SNe are used unblinded to improve the model, or blinded to test the model. As the lensed SN samples grow larger, this technique will allow improved constraints on assumptions regarding e.g. the structure of the dark matter halo.
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8. |
- Nordin, Jakob, et al.
(author)
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Spectral properties of Type Ia supernovae up to z~0.3
- 2011
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In: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - : EDP Sciences. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 526, s. A119-
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Aims: Spectroscopic observations of type Ia supernovae obtained at the New Technology Telescope (NTT) and the Nordic Optical Telescope (NOT), in conjunction with the SDSS-II Supernova Survey, are analysed. We use spectral indicators measured up to a month after the lightcurve peak luminosity to characterise the supernova properties, and examine these for potential correlations with host galaxy type, lightcurve shape, colour excess, and redshift. Methods: Our analysis is based on 89 type Ia supernovae at a redshift interval z = 0.05-0.3, for which multiband SDSS photometry is available. A lower-z spectroscopy reference sample was used for comparisons over cosmic time. We present measurements of time series of pseudo equivalent widths and line velocities of the main spectral features in type Ia supernovae. Results: Supernovae with shallower features are found predominantly among the intrinsically brighter slow declining supernovae. We detect the strongest correlation between lightcurve stretch and the Si ii λ4000 absorption feature, which also correlates with the estimated mass and star formation rate of the host galaxy. We also report a tentative correlation between colour excess and spectral properties. If confirmed, this would suggest that moderate reddening of type Ia supernovae is dominated by effects in the explosion or its immediate environment, as opposed to extinction by interstellar dust.
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9. |
- Petrushevska, Tanja, 1985-
(author)
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Search for lensed supernovae behind the galaxy cluster Abell 1689
- 2014
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Licentiate thesis (other academic/artistic)abstract
- Distant supernovae probe the history of cosmic expansion and star formation, and provide important information on their progenitor models. Investigation of supernovae type Ia for are needed to reveal any evolution in their intrinsic properties, and thus their utility as existing distance indicators. One approach to extend the redshift range beyond the reach of our telescopes is to use galaxy clusters as gravitational telescopes. Conversely, lensed supernovae can be used as probes for testing cluster lens model predictions. In this licentiate thesis, I present a 5-year ground based near-infrared search for gravitationally magnified supernovae behind the galaxy cluster A1689. Abell 1689, at z=0.187, is a one of the best-studied clusters with an extended Einstein radius, making it particularly suited as a gravitational telescope. Our search resulted in the discovery of one highly magnified supernova type II at z=1.703 and two transient objects (probably type IIP and Ia, in host galaxies at redshifts and ), which is in agreement with the survey expectations.
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10. |
- Riehm, Teresa, et al.
(author)
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Near-IR search for lensed supernovae behind galaxy clusters III. Implications for cluster modeling and cosmology
- 2011
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In: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - : EDP Sciences. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 536, s. A94-
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Context. Massive galaxy clusters at intermediate redshifts act as gravitational lenses that can magnify supernovae (SNe) occurring in background galaxies. Aims. We assess the possibility of using lensed SNe to constraint the mass models of galaxy clusters and the Hubble parameter at high redshift. Methods. Owing to the standard candle nature of Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia), observational information on the lensing magnification by an intervening galaxy cluster can be used to constrain the model for the cluster mass distribution. A statistical analysis using parametric cluster models was performed to investigate the possible improvements provided by lensed SNe Ia to the analysis of the accurately modeled galaxy cluster A1689 and the less well-modeled cluster A2204. Time delay measurements obtained from SNe lensed by accurately modeled galaxy clusters can be used to measure the Hubble parameter. For a survey of A1689, we estimate the expected rates of detectable SNe Ia and multiply imaged SNe. Results. The velocity dispersion and core radius of the main cluster potential follow strong correlations with the predicted magnifications and can therefore be constrained by observations of SNe Ia in background galaxies. This technique proves especially powerful for galaxy clusters with only a few known multiple image systems. The main uncertainty in measurements of the Hubble parameter from the time delay of strongly lensed SNe is caused by cluster model uncertainties. For the extremely well-modeled cluster A1689, a single time delay measurement could be used to determine the Hubble parameter with a precision of similar to 10%. Conclusions. Observations of SNe Ia behind galaxy clusters can be used to improve the mass modeling of the large-scale component of galaxy clusters and thus the distribution of dark matter. Time delays from SNe strongly lensed by accurately modeled galaxy clusters can be used to measure the Hubble constant at high redshifts.
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11. |
- Rubin, D., et al.
(author)
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Precision Measurement of The Most Distant Spectroscopically Confirmed Supernova Ia with the Hubble Space Telescope
- 2013
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In: Astrophysical Journal. - 0004-637X .- 1538-4357. ; 763:1, s. 35-
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We report the discovery of a redshift 1.71 supernova in the GOODS-North field. The Hubble Space Telescope (HST) ACS spectrum has almost negligible contamination from the host or neighboring galaxies. Although the rest-frame-sampled range is too blue to include any Si II line, a principal component analysis allows us to confirm it as a Type Ia supernova with 92% confidence. A recent serendipitous archival HST WFC3 grism spectrum contributed a key element of the confirmation by giving a host-galaxy redshift of 1.713 +/- 0.007. In addition to being the most distant SN Ia with spectroscopic confirmation, this is the most distant Ia with a precision color measurement. We present the ACS WFC and NICMOS 2 photometry and ACS and WFC3 spectroscopy. Our derived supernova distance is in agreement with the prediction of CDM.
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12. |
- Silverman, Jeffrey M., et al.
(author)
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SN 2000cx and SN 2013bh : extremely rare, nearly twin Type Ia supernovae
- 2013
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In: Monthly notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. - : Oxford University Press. - 0035-8711 .- 1365-2966. ; 436:2, s. 1225-1237
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- The Type Ia supernova (SN Ia) SN 2000cx was one of the most peculiar transients ever discovered, with a rise to maximum brightness typical of a SN Ia, but a slower decline and a higher photospheric temperature. 13 yr later SN 2013bh (also known as iPTF13abc), a near identical twin, was discovered and we obtained optical and near-infrared photometry and low-resolution optical spectroscopy from discovery until about 1 month past r-band maximum brightness. The spectra of both objects show iron-group elements [Co ii, Ni ii, Fe ii, Fe iii and high-velocity features (HVFs) of Ti ii], intermediate-mass elements (Si ii, Si iii and S ii) and separate normal velocity features (similar to 12 000 km s(-1)) and HVFs (similar to 24 000 km s(-1)) of Ca ii. Persistent absorption from Fe iii and Si iii, along with the colour evolution, implies high blackbody temperatures for SNe 2013bh and 2000cx (similar to 12 000 K). Both objects lack narrow Na i D absorption and exploded in the outskirts of their hosts, indicating that the SN environments were relatively free of interstellar or circumstellar material and may imply that the progenitors came from a relatively old and low-metallicity stellar population. Models of SN 2000cx, seemingly applicable to SN 2013bh, imply the production of up to similar to 1 M-circle dot of Ni-56 and (4.3-5.5) x 10(-3) M-circle dot of fast-moving Ca ejecta.
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13. |
- Stark, Daniel P., et al.
(author)
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Ultraviolet emission lines in young low-mass galaxies at z similar or equal to 2 : physical properties and implications for studies at z > 7
- 2014
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In: Monthly notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. - : Oxford University Press (OUP). - 0035-8711 .- 1365-2966. ; 445:3, s. 3200-3220
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- We present deep spectroscopy of 17 very low mass (M* similar or equal to 2.0 x 10(6)-1.4 x 10(9) M-circle dot) and low luminosity (M-UV similar or equal to -13.7 to -19.9) gravitationally lensed galaxies in the redshift range z similar or equal to 1.5-3.0. Deep rest-frame ultraviolet spectra reveal large equivalent width emission from numerous emission lines (N IV], O III], C IV, Si III], C III]) which are rarely seen in individual spectra of more massive star-forming galaxies. C III] is detected in 16 of 17 low-mass star-forming systems with rest-frame equivalent widths as large as 13.5 angstrom. Nebular C (IV) emission is present in the most extreme C III] emitters, requiring an ionizing source capable of producing a substantial component of photons with energies in excess of 47.9 eV. Photoionization models support a picture whereby the large equivalent widths are driven by the increased electron temperature and enhanced ionizing output arising from metal-poor gas and stars (0.04-0.13 Z(circle dot)), young stellar populations (6-50 Myr), and large ionization parameters (log U = -2.16 to -1.84). The young ages implied by the emission lines and continuum spectral energy distributions (SEDs) indicate that the extreme line emitters in our sample are in the midst of a significant upturn in their star formation activity. The low stellar masses, blue UV colours, and large specific star formation rates of our sample are similar to those of typical z greater than or similar to 6 galaxies. Given the strong attenuation of Ly alpha in z greater than or similar to 6 galaxies, we suggest that C III] is likely to provide our best probe of early star-forming galaxies with ground-based spectrographs and one off the most efficient means of confirming z greater than or similar to 10 galaxies with the James Webb Space Telescope.
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14. |
- Valenti, S., et al.
(author)
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PESSTO spectroscopic classification of La Silla-Quest Transients
- 2012
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Reports (other academic/artistic)abstract
- PESSTO is the "Public ESO Spectroscopic Survey of Transient Objects" (http://www.pessto.org) using the ESO New Technology Telescope (NTT) at La Silla and the EFOSC2 (optical) and SOFI (near-IR) spectrographs. It is one of two currently running public spectroscopic surveys at ESO. The survey details are as follows: - PESSTO has 90 nights per year on the NTT: 9 lunations (August to April), 10 nights per lunation (we are not observing May-July).
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15. |
- Östman, Linda, et al.
(author)
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NTT and NOT spectroscopy of SDSS-II supernovae
- 2011
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In: Astronomy and Astrophysics. - : EDP Sciences. - 0004-6361 .- 1432-0746. ; 526, s. A28-
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Journal article (peer-reviewed)abstract
- Context. The Sloan Digital Sky Survey II (SDSS-II) Supernova Survey, conducted between 2005 and 2007, was designed to detect a large number of type Ia supernovae around z ~ 0.2, the redshift "gap" between low-z and high-z supernova searches. The survey has provided multi-band (ugriz) photometric lightcurves for variable targets, and supernova candidates were scheduled for spectroscopic observations, primarily to provide supernova classification and accurate redshifts. We present supernova spectra obtained in 2006 and 2007 using the New Technology Telescope (NTT) and the Nordic Optical Telescope (NOT). Aims: We provide an atlas of supernova spectra in the range z = 0.03-0.32 that complements the well-sampled lightcurves from SDSS-II in the forthcoming three-year SDSS supernova cosmology analysis. The sample can, for example, be used for spectral studies of type Ia supernovae, which are critical for understanding potential systematic effects when supernovae are used to determine cosmological distances. Methods: The spectra were reduced in a uniform manner, and special care was taken in estimating the uncertainties for the different processing steps. Host-galaxy light was subtracted when possible and the supernova type fitted using the SuperNova IDentification code (SNID). We also present comparisons between spectral and photometric dating using SALT lightcurve fits to the photometry from SDSS-II, as well as the global distribution of our sample in terms of the lightcurve parameters: stretch and colour. Results: We report new spectroscopic data from 141 type Ia supernovae, mainly between -9 and +15 days from lightcurve maximum, including a few cases of multi-epoch observations. This homogeneous, host-galaxy subtracted, type Ia supernova spectroscopic sample is among the largest such data sets and unique in its redshift interval. The sample includes two potential SN 1991T-like supernovae (SN 2006on and SN 2007ni) and one potential SN 2002cx-like supernova (SN 2007ie). In addition, the new compilation includes spectra from 23 confirmed type II and 8 type Ib/c supernovae.
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