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An asymptotic-giant-branch star in the progenitor system of a type Ia supernova

Author

Listed:
  • Mario Hamuy

    (Carnegie Observatories)

  • M. M. Phillips

    (Las Campanas Observatory, Carnegie Observatories)

  • Nicholas B. Suntzeff

    (Cerro Tololo Inter-American Observatory, National Optical Astronomy Observatories)

  • José Maza

    (Universidad de Chile)

  • L. E. González

    (Universidad de Chile)

  • Miguel Roth

    (Las Campanas Observatory, Carnegie Observatories)

  • Kevin Krisciunas

    (Las Campanas Observatory, Carnegie Observatories)

  • Nidia Morrell

    (Las Campanas Observatory, Carnegie Observatories)

  • E. M. Green

    (University of Arizona, Steward Observatory)

  • S. E. Persson

    (Carnegie Observatories)

  • P. J. McCarthy

    (Carnegie Observatories)

Abstract

Stars that explode as supernovae come in two main classes. A type Ia supernova is recognized by the absence of hydrogen and the presence of elements such as silicon and sulphur in its spectrum; this class of supernova is thought to produce the majority of iron-peak elements in the Universe. They are also used as precise ‘standard candles’ to measure the distances to galaxies. While there is general agreement that a type Ia supernova is produced by an exploding white dwarf star1, no progenitor system has ever been directly observed. Significant effort has gone into searching for circumstellar material to help discriminate between the possible kinds of progenitor systems2, but no such material has hitherto been found associated with a type Ia supernova3. Here we report the presence of strong hydrogen emission associated with the type Ia supernova SN2002ic, indicating the presence of large amounts of circumstellar material. We infer from this that the progenitor system contained a massive asymptotic-giant-branch star that lost several solar masses of hydrogen-rich gas before the supernova explosion.

Suggested Citation

  • Mario Hamuy & M. M. Phillips & Nicholas B. Suntzeff & José Maza & L. E. González & Miguel Roth & Kevin Krisciunas & Nidia Morrell & E. M. Green & S. E. Persson & P. J. McCarthy, 2003. "An asymptotic-giant-branch star in the progenitor system of a type Ia supernova," Nature, Nature, vol. 424(6949), pages 651-654, August.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:nature:v:424:y:2003:i:6949:d:10.1038_nature01854
    DOI: 10.1038/nature01854
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