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The binary progenitor of Tycho Brahe's 1572 supernova

Author

Listed:
  • Pilar Ruiz-Lapuente

    (University of Barcelona
    Max-Planck-Institut für Astrophysik)

  • Fernando Comeron

    (European Southern Observatory)

  • Javier Méndez

    (University of Barcelona
    Isaac Newton Group)

  • Ramon Canal

    (University of Barcelona)

  • Stephen J. Smartt

    (University of Cambridge)

  • Alexei V. Filippenko

    (University of California)

  • Robert L. Kurucz

    (Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics)

  • Ryan Chornock

    (University of California)

  • Ryan J. Foley

    (University of California)

  • Vallery Stanishev

    (Stockholm University, AlbaNova University Center)

  • Rodrigo Ibata

    (Observatoire de Strasbourg)

Abstract

The brightness of type Ia supernovae, and their homogeneity as a class, makes them powerful tools in cosmology, yet little is known about the progenitor systems of these explosions. They are thought to arise when a white dwarf accretes matter from a companion star, is compressed and undergoes a thermonuclear explosion1,2,3. Unless the companion star is another white dwarf (in which case it should be destroyed by the mass-transfer process itself), it should survive and show distinguishing properties. Tycho's supernova4,5 is one of only two type Ia supernovae observed in our Galaxy, and so provides an opportunity to address observationally the identification of the surviving companion. Here we report a survey of the central region of its remnant, around the position of the explosion, which excludes red giants as the mass donor of the exploding white dwarf. We found a type G0–G2 star, similar to our Sun in surface temperature and luminosity (but lower surface gravity), moving at more than three times the mean velocity of the stars at that distance, which appears to be the surviving companion of the supernova.

Suggested Citation

  • Pilar Ruiz-Lapuente & Fernando Comeron & Javier Méndez & Ramon Canal & Stephen J. Smartt & Alexei V. Filippenko & Robert L. Kurucz & Ryan Chornock & Ryan J. Foley & Vallery Stanishev & Rodrigo Ibata, 2004. "The binary progenitor of Tycho Brahe's 1572 supernova," Nature, Nature, vol. 431(7012), pages 1069-1072, October.
    • Handle: RePEc:nat:nature:v:431:y:2004:i:7012:d:10.1038_nature03006
    DOI: 10.1038/nature03006
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