Spitzer observations of SN 2014J and properties of mid-IR emission in Type Ia supernovae

• SN 2014J in M 82 is the closest Type Ia supernova (SN Ia) in decades. The proximity allows for detailed studies of supernova physics and provides insights into the circumstellar and interstellar environment. In this work, we analyse Spitzer mid-infrared (mid-IR) data of SN 2014J in the 3.6 and 4.5 mu m wavelength range, together with several other nearby and well-studied SNe Ia. We compile the first composite mid-IR light-curve templates from our sample of SNe Ia, spanning the range from before peak brightness well into the nebular phase. Our observations indicate that SNe Ia form a very homogeneous class of objects at these wavelengths. Using the low-reddening supernovae for comparison, we constrain possible thermal emission from circumstellar dust around the highly reddened SN 2014J. We also study SNe 2006X and 2007le, where the presence of matter in the circumstellar environment has been suggested. No significant mid-IR excess is detected, allowing us to place upper limits on the amount of pre-existing dust in the circumstellar environment. For SN 2014J, M-dust less than or similar to 10(-5) M-circle dot within r(dust) similar to 10(17) cm, which is insufficient to account for the observed extinction. Similar limits are obtained for SNe 2006X and 2007le.

Ämnesord

NATURVETENSKAP  -- Fysik -- Astronomi, astrofysik och kosmologi (hsv//swe)

NATURAL SCIENCES  -- Physical Sciences -- Astronomy, Astrophysics and Cosmology (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

circumstellar matter

supernovae: general

supernovae: individual: 2005df

2006X

2007af

2007le

2007sr

2009ig

2012cg

2011fe

2014J

dust

extinction

Physics

fysik

Publikations- och innehållstyp

ref (ämneskategori)

art (ämneskategori)