SN 2023vbg: A Type IIn Supernova Resembling SN 2009ip, with a Long-Duration Precursor and Early-Time Bump

Abstract

Type IIn supernovae (SNe) resembling SN 2009ip (09ip-like SNe) originate from the interaction between circumstellar material (CSM) and the ejecta. This subclass not only shares similar observational properties around the maximum, but is commonly characterized by a long-duration precursor before its maximum. Investigating the observed properties of the precursor provides constraints on the mass-loss history of the progenitor. We present observational data of SN 2023vbg, a 09ip-like type IIn SN that displayed unique observational properties compared to other 09ip-like SNe. SN 2023vbg showed a long-duration precursor at approximately Mg = -14 mag lasting for about 100 days, followed by a bright bump at Mg = -17 mag at 12-25 days before the maximum. The luminosity of the precursor is similar to those of other 09ip-like SNe, but the bright bump has not been observed in other cases. After reaching the peak luminosity, the light curve exhibited a relatively smooth decline. While the H-alpha profile displays two velocity components (approximately 500 and 3000 km/s), a broad component observed in other 09ip-like SNe was not seen, though it may emerge later. We suggest that these properties are explained by the difference in the CSM structure as compared to other 09ip-like SNe; SN 2023vbg had an inner denser CSM component, as well as generally smooth CSM density distribution on a more extended scale, than in the others. Such diversity of CSM likely reflects the diversity of pre-SN outbursts, which in turn may mirror the range of evolutionary pathways in the final stages of the progenitors.