arXiv subjects

G. C. Anupama

Publications and source records attributed to G. C. Anupama.

At least 91 records · Page 5Linked to original sources

arXiv2021

Intermediate Luminosity Type Iax SN 2019muj With Narrow Absorption Lines: Long-Lasting Radiation Associated With a Possible Bound Remnant Predicted by the Weak Deflagration Model

We present comprehensive spectroscopic and photometric analyses of the intermediate luminosity Type Iax supernova (SN Iax) 2019muj based on multi-band datasets observed through the framework of the OISTER target-of-opportunity program. SN 2019muj exhibits almost identical characteristics with the subluminous SNe Iax 2008ha and 2010ae in terms of the observed spectral features and the light curve evolution at the early phase, except for the peak luminosity. The long-term observations unveil the flattening light curves at the late time as seen in a luminous SN Iax 2014dt. This can be explained by the existence of an inner dense and optically-thick component possibly associated with a bound white dwarf remnant left behind the explosion. We demonstrate that the weak deflagration model with a wide range of the explosion parameters can reproduce the late-phase light curves of other SNe Iax. Therefore, we conclude that a common explosion mechanism operates for different subclass SNe Iax.

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arXiv2021

Low frequency view of GRB 190114C reveals time varying shock micro-physics

We present radio and optical afterglow observations of the TeV-bright long Gamma Ray Burst (GRB) 190114C at a redshift of $z=0.425$, which was detected by the MAGIC telescope. Our observations with ALMA, ATCA, and uGMRT were obtained by our low frequency observing campaign and range from $\sim1$ to $\sim140$ days after the burst and the optical observations were done with three optical telescopes spanning up to $\sim25$ days after the burst. Long term radio/mm observations reveal the complex nature of the afterglow, which does not follow the spectral and temporal closure relations expected from the standard afterglow model. We find that the microphysical parameters of the external forward shock, representing the share of shock-created energy in the non-thermal electron population and magnetic field, are evolving with time. The inferred kinetic energy in the blast-wave depends strongly on the assumed ambient medium density profile, with a constant density medium demanding almost an order of magnitude higher energy than in the prompt emission, while a stellar wind-driven medium requires approximately the same amount energy as in prompt emission.

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arXiv2021

The optical properties of three type II supernovae: 2014cx, 2014cy and 2015cz

We present the photometric and spectroscopic analysis of three Type II SNe: 2014cx, 2014cy and 2015cz. SN 2014cx is a conventional Type IIP with a shallow slope (0.2 mag/50d) and an atypical short plateau ($\sim$86 d). SNe 2014cy and 2015cz show relatively large decline rates (0.88 and 1.64 mag/50d, respectively) at early times before settling to the plateau phase, unlike the canonical Type IIP/L SN light curves. All of them are normal luminosity SN II with an absolute magnitude at mid-plateau of M$_{V,14cx}^{50}$=$-$16.6$\pm$0.4$\,\rm{mag}$, M$_{V,14cy}^{50}$=$-$16.5$\,\pm\,$0.2$\,\rm{mag}$ and M$_{V,15cz}^{50}$=$-$17.4$\,\pm\,$0.3$\,\rm{mag}$. A relatively broad range of $^{56}$Ni masses is ejected in these explosions (0.027-0.070 M$_\odot$). The spectra show the classical evolution of Type II SNe, dominated by a blue continuum with broad H lines at early phases and narrower metal lines with P Cygni profiles during the plateau. High-velocity H I features are identified in the plateau spectra of SN 2014cx at 11600 km s$^{-1}$, possibly a sign of ejecta-circumstellar interaction. The spectra of SN 2014cy exhibit strong absorption profile of H I similar to normal luminosity events whereas strong metal lines akin to sub-luminous SNe. The analytical modelling of the bolometric light curve of the three events yields similar radii for the three objects within errors (478, 507 and 608 R$_\odot$ for SNe 2014cx, 2014cy and 2015cz, respectively) and a range of ejecta masses (15.0, 22.2 and 18.7 M$_\odot$ for SNe 2014cx, 2014cy and 2015cz), and a modest range of explosion energies (3.3 - 6.0 foe where 1 foe = 10$^{51}$ erg).

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arXiv2021

SN 2017hpa: A carbon-rich type Ia supernova

We present the optical (UBVRI) and ultraviolet (Swift-UVOT) photometry, and optical spectroscopy of Type Ia supernova SN 2017hpa. We study broadband UV+optical light curves and low resolution spectroscopy spanning from $-13.8$ to $+108$~d from the maximum light in $B$-band. The photometric analysis indicates that SN 2017hpa is a normal type Ia with $Δm_{B}(15) = 0.98\pm0.16$ mag and $M_{B}=-19.45\pm0.15$ mag at a distance modulus of $μ= 34.08\pm0.09$ mag. The $(uvw1-uvv)$ colour evolution shows that SN 2017hpa falls in the NUV-blue group. The $(B-V)$ colour at maximum is bluer in comparison to normal type Ia supernovae. Spectroscopic analysis shows that the Si II 6355 absorption feature evolves rapidly with a velocity gradient, $\dot{v}=128\pm 7$ km s$^{-1}$ d$^{-1}$. The pre-maximum phase spectra show prominent C II 6580 Å absorption feature. The C II 6580 Å line velocity measured from the observed spectra is lower than the velocity of Si II 6355 Å, which could be due to a line of sight effect. The synthetic spectral fits to the pre-maximum spectra using syn++ indicate the presence of a high velocity component in the Si II absorption, in addition to a photospheric component. Fitting the observed spectrum with the spectral synthesis code TARDIS, the mass of unburned C in the ejecta is estimated to be $\sim 0.019$~$M_{\odot}$. The peak bolometric luminosity is $L^{bol}_{peak} = 1.43\times10^{43}$ erg s$^{-1}$. The radiation diffusion model fit to the bolometric light curve indicates $0.61\pm0.02$ $M_\odot$ of $^{56}$Ni is synthesized in the explosion.

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arXiv2021

SN 2020ank: a bright and fast-evolving H-deficient superluminous supernova

We investigate the observational properties of a hydrogen-deficient superluminous supernova (SLSN) SN 2020ank (at z = 0.2485), with the help of early phase observations carried out between $-$21 and +52 d since $g$-band maximum. Photometrically, SN 2020ank is one of the brightest SLSN ($M_{g,peak}$ $\sim$ $-$21.84 $\pm$ 0.10 mag), having fast pre-peak rising and post-peak decaying rates. The bolometric light curve of SN 2020ank exhibits a higher peak luminosity ($L_{max}$) of $\sim$(3.9 $\pm$ 0.7) $\times$ 10$^{44}$ erg s$^{-1}$ and appears to be symmetric around the peak with $L^{rise}_{max}$/e $\approx$ $L^{fall}_{max}$/e $\approx$ 15 d. The semi-analytical light-curve modelling using the MINIM code suggests a spin down millisecond magnetar with $P_i$ $\sim$2.2 $\pm$ 0.5 ms and $B$ $\sim$(2.9 $\pm$ 0.1) $\times$ $10^{14}$ G as a possible powering source for SN 2020ank. The possible magnetar origin and excess ultraviolet flux at early epochs indicate a central-engine based powering source for SN 2020ank. Near-peak spectra of SN 2020ank are enriched with the W-shaped O II features but with the weaker signatures of C II and Fe III. Using the estimated rise time of $\sim$27.9 d and the photospheric velocity of $\sim$12050 km s$^{-1}$, we constrain the ejecta mass to $\sim$7.2 $M_{\odot}$ and the kinetic energy of $\sim$6.3 $\times$ 10$^{51}$ erg. The near-peak spectrum of SN 2020ank exhibits a close spectral resemblance with that of fast-evolving SN 2010gx. The absorption features of SN 2020ank are blueshifted compared to Gaia16apd, suggesting a higher expansion velocity. The spectral similarity with SN 2010gx and comparatively faster spectral evolution than PTF12dam (a slow-evolving SLSN) indicate the fast-evolving behavior of SN 2020ank.

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arXiv2020

Multi-band behaviour of the TeV blazar PG 1553+113 in optical range on diverse timescales

Context. The TeV BL Lac object PG 1553+113 is one of the primary candidates for a binary supermassive black hole system. Aims. We study the flux and spectral variability of PG 1553+113 on intra-night to long-term timescales using (i) BVRI data collected over 76 nights from January 2016 to August 2019 involving nine optical telescopes and (ii) historical VR data (including ours) obtained for the period from 2005 to 2019. Methods. We analysed the light curves using various statistical tests, fitting and cross-correlation techniques, and methods for the search for periodicity. We examined the colour-magnitude diagrams before and after the corresponding light curves were corrected for the long-term variations. Results. Our intra-night monitoring, supplemented with literature data, results in a low duty cycle of ~(10-18)%. In April 2019, we recorded a flare, which marks the brightest state of PG 1553+113 for the period from 2005 to 2019: R = 13.2 mag. This flare is found to show a clockwise spectral hysteresis loop on its VR colour-magnitude diagram and a time lag in the sense that the V-band variations lead the R-band ones. We obtain estimates of the radius, the magnetic field strength, and the electron energy that characterize the emission region related to the flare. We find a median period of (2.21 +/- 0.04) years using the historical light curves. In addition, we detect a secondary period of about 210 days using the historical light curves corrected for the long-term variations. We briefly discuss the possible origin of this period.

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arXiv2020

AstroSat Soft X-ray observations of the symbiotic recurrent nova V3890 Sgr during its 2019 outburst

Two long AstroSat Soft X-ray Telescope observations were taken of the third recorded outburst of the Symbiotic Recurrent Nova, V3890 Sgr. The first observing run, 8.1-9.9 days after the outburst, initially showed a stable intensity level with a hard X-ray spectrum that we attribute to shocks between the nova ejecta and the pre-existing stellar companion. On day 8.57, the first, weak, signs appeared of Super Soft Source (SSS) emission powered by residual burning on the surface of the White Dwarf. The SSS emission was observed to be highly variable on time scales of hours. After day 8.9, the SSS component was more stable and brighter. In the second observing run, on days 15.9-19.6 after the outburst, the SSS component was even brighter but still highly variable. The SSS emission was observed to fade significantly during days 16.8-17.8 followed by re-brightening. Meanwhile the shock component was stable leading to increase in hardness ratio during the period of fading. AstroSat and XMM-Newton observations have been used to study the spectral properties of V3890 Sgr to draw quantitative conclusions even if their drawback is model-dependence. We used the xspec to fit spectral models of plasma emission, and the best fits are consistent with the elemental abundances being lower during the second observing run compared to the first for spectra >1 keV. The SSS emission is well fit by non-local thermal equilibrium model atmosphere used for white dwarfs. The resulting spectral parameters, however, are subject to systematic uncertainties such as completeness of atomic data.

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arXiv2020

Photoionization modelling of quiescence phase spectra of novae & symbiotic star

We present results of study, using observed and published spectra in optical region, of few novae (T CrB, GK Per, RS Oph, V3890 Sgr and V745 Sco) in their quiescence phase and a symbiotic star (BX Mon). Observations were made using the facilities available at 2m Himalayan Chandra Telescope (HCT). Generally, the spectra show prominent low ionization emission features of hydrogen, helium, iron and oxygen and TiO absorption features due to the cool secondary component; T CrB and GK Per show higher ionization lines. We used photoionization code CLOUDY to model these spectra. From the best-fit models, we have estimated the physical parameters, e.g., temperature, luminosity & hydrogen density; estimated elemental abundances and other parameters related to the system. By matching the spectra of various giants with the absorption features and from the best-fit, we determined the type of secondaries and also their contribution to the spectra.

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arXiv2020

Optical studies of two stripped envelope supernovae SN 2015ap (Type Ib) and SN 2016P (Type Ic)

We present the photometric and spectroscopic studies of a Type Ib SN 2015ap and a Type Ic SN 2016P. SN 2015ap is one of the bright (M$_{V}$ = $-$18.04 mag) Type Ib while SN 2016P lies at an average value among the Type Ic SNe (M$_{V}$ = $-$17.53 mag). Bolometric light curve modelling of SNe 2015ap and 2016P indicates that both the SNe are powered by $^{56}$Ni + magnetar model with $^{56}$Ni masses of 0.01 M$_{\odot}$ and 0.002 M$_{\odot}$, ejecta masses of 3.75 M$_{\odot}$ and 4.66 M$_{\odot}$, spin period P$_{0}$ of 25.8 ms and 36.5 ms and magnetic field B$_{p}$ of 28.39 $\times$ 10$^{14}$ Gauss and 35.3 $\times$ 10$^{14}$ Gauss respectively. The early spectra of SN 2015ap shows prominent lines of He with a "W" feature due to Fe complexes while other lines of Mg II, Na I and Si II are present in both SNe 2015ap and 2016P. Nebular phase [O I] profile indicates an asymmetric profile in SN 2015ap. The [O I]/[Ca II] ratio and nebular spectral modelling of SN 2015ap hints towards a progenitor mass between 12 $-$ 20 M$_{\odot}$.

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arXiv2020

Kilonova Luminosity Function Constraints based on Zwicky Transient Facility Searches for 13 Neutron Star Mergers

We present a systematic search for optical counterparts to 13 gravitational wave (GW) triggers involving at least one neutron star during LIGO/Virgo's third observing run. We searched binary neutron star (BNS) and neutron star black hole (NSBH) merger localizations with the Zwicky Transient Facility (ZTF) and undertook follow-up with the Global Relay of Observatories Watching Transients Happen (GROWTH) collaboration. The GW triggers had a median localization of 4480 deg^2, median distance of 267 Mpc and false alarm rates ranging from 1.5 to 1e-25 per yr. The ZTF coverage had a median enclosed probability of 39%, median depth of 20.8mag, and median response time of 1.5 hr. The O3 follow-up by the GROWTH team comprised 340 UVOIR photometric points, 64 OIR spectra, and 3 radio. We find no promising kilonova (radioactivity-powered counterpart) and we convert the upper limits to constrain the underlying kilonova luminosity function. Assuming that all kilonovae are at least as luminous as GW170817 at discovery (-16.1mag), we calculate our joint probability of detecting zero kilonovae is only 4.2%. If we assume that all kilonovae are brighter than -16.6mag (extrapolated peak magnitude of GW170817) and fade at 1 mag/day (similar to GW170817), the joint probability of zero detections is 7%. If we separate the NSBH and BNS populations, the joint probability of zero detections, assuming all kilonovae are brighter than -16.6mag, is 9.7% for NSBH and 7.9% for BNS mergers. Moreover, <57% (<89%) of putative kilonovae could be brighter than -16.6mag assuming flat (fading) evolution, at 90% confidence. If we further account for the online terrestrial probability for each GW trigger, we find that <68% of putative kilonovae could be brighter than -16.6mag. Comparing to model grids, we find that some kilonovae must have Mej < 0.03 Msun or Xlan>1e-4 or phi>30deg to be consistent with our limits. (Abridged)

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arXiv2020

Discovery and Rapid Follow-up Observations of the Unusual Type II SN 2018ivc in NGC 1068

We present the discovery and high-cadence follow-up observations of SN 2018ivc, an unusual Type II supernova that exploded in NGC 1068 (D=10.1 Mpc). The light curve of SN 2018ivc declines piecewise-linearly, changing slope frequently, with four clear slope changes in the first 30 days of evolution. This rapidly changing light curve indicates that interaction between the circumstellar material and ejecta plays a significant role in the evolution. Circumstellar interaction is further supported by a strong X-ray detection. The spectra are rapidly evolving and dominated by hydrogen, helium, and calcium emission lines. We identify a rare high-velocity emission-line feature blueshifted at ~7800 km/s (in Ha, Hb, Pb, Pg, HeI, CaII), which is visible from day 18 until at least day 78 and could be evidence of an asymmetric progenitor or explosion. From the overall similarity between SN 2018ivc and SN 1996al, the \Ha{} equivalent width of its parent HII region, and constraints from pre-explosion archival Hubble Space Telescope images, we find that the progenitor of SN 2018ivc could be as massive as 52 Msun but is more likely <12 Msun. SN 2018ivc demonstrates the importance of the early discovery and rapid follow-up observations of nearby supernovae to study the physics and progenitors of these cosmic explosions.

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arXiv2020

Spectroscopic and geometrical evolution of the ejecta of the classical nova ASASSN-18fv

The optical spectroscopic observations of ASASSN-18fv observed from 2018 March 24 to 2019 Jan 26 are presented. The optical spectra are obtained from Mirranook, Vainu Bappu and South African Astronomical observatories. The spectra are dominated by hydrogen Balmer, Fe II and O I lines with P-Cygni profiles in the early phase, typical of an Fe II class nova. The spectra show He I lines along with H I and O I emission lines in the decline phase placing the nova in the hybrid class of novae. The spectra show rapid development in high ionization lines in this phase. Analysis of the light curve indicate t$_2$ and t$_3$ values of about 50 and 70 days respectively placing the nova in the category of moderately fast nova. The ejecta geometry, inclination and position angle are estimated using morpho-kinematic analysis. The geometry of the ejecta is found to be an asymmetric bipolar structure with an inclination angle of about 53$^{\circ}$. The ejected mass using photo-ionization analysis is found to be 6.07 $\times$ 10$^{-4}$ M$_{\odot}$.

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arXiv2019

Flash ionization signatures in the type Ibn supernova SN 2019uo

We present photometric and spectroscopic observations of the type Ibn supernova (SN) 2019uo, the second ever SN Ibn with flash ionization (He II, C III, N III) features in its early spectra. SN 2019uo displays a rapid post-peak luminosity decline of 0.1 mag d$^{-1}$ similar to most of the SNe Ibn, but is fainter ($M^V_{max} = -18.30 \pm 0.24$ mag) than a typical SN Ibn and shows a color evolution that places it between SNe Ib and the most extreme SNe Ibn. SN 2019uo shows P-cygni He I features in the early spectra which gradually evolves and becomes emission dominated post peak. It also shows faster evolution in line velocities as compared to most other members of the type Ibn subclass. The bolometric light curve is fairly described by a $^{56}$Ni + circumstellar interaction model.

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arXiv2019

Full orbital solution for the binary system in the northern Galactic disc microlensing event Gaia16aye

Gaia16aye was a binary microlensing event discovered in the direction towards the northern Galactic disc and was one of the first microlensing events detected and alerted to by the Gaia space mission. Its light curve exhibited five distinct brightening episodes, reaching up to I=12 mag, and it was covered in great detail with almost 25,000 data points gathered by a network of telescopes. We present the photometric and spectroscopic follow-up covering 500 days of the event evolution. We employed a full Keplerian binary orbit microlensing model combined with the motion of Earth and Gaia around the Sun to reproduce the complex light curve. The photometric data allowed us to solve the microlensing event entirely and to derive the complete and unique set of orbital parameters of the binary lensing system. We also report on the detection of the first-ever microlensing space-parallax between the Earth and Gaia located at L2. The properties of the binary system were derived from microlensing parameters, and we found that the system is composed of two main-sequence stars with masses 0.57$\pm$0.05 $M_\odot$ and 0.36$\pm$0.03 $M_\odot$ at 780 pc, with an orbital period of 2.88 years and an eccentricity of 0.30. We also predict the astrometric microlensing signal for this binary lens as it will be seen by Gaia as well as the radial velocity curve for the binary system. Events such as Gaia16aye indicate the potential for the microlensing method of probing the mass function of dark objects, including black holes, in directions other than that of the Galactic bulge. This case also emphasises the importance of long-term time-domain coordinated observations that can be made with a network of heterogeneous telescopes.

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arXiv2019

Optical and X-ray studies of three polars: RX J0859.1+0537, RX J0749.1-0549, and RX J0649.8-0737

We present optical photometric and spectroscopic observations, and an analysis of archival X-ray data of three polars: RX J0859.1+0537, RX J0749.1-0549, and RX J0649.8-0737. Optical light curves of these three polars reveal eclipse features that are deep, total, and variable in shape. The optical and X-ray modulations of RX J0859.1+0537, RX J0749.1-0549, and RX J0649.8-0737 are both found to occur at the orbital periods of 2.393$\pm$0.003 hrs, 3.672$\pm$0.001 hrs, and 4.347$\pm$0.001 hrs, respectively. RX J0859.1+0537 is found to be an eclipsing polar which lies in the region of the period gap, whereas RX J0749.1-0549 and RX J0649.8-0737 are found to be long-period eclipsing polars above the period gap. The eclipse length is found to be 61 min for RX J0749.1-0549 in the R-band, which is the highest among the long period eclipsing polars. The radius of the eclipsed light source is found to be more than the actual size of the white dwarf for these three systems, indicating that the eclipsed component is not only the white dwarf but also appears to include the presence of an extended accretion region. Optical spectra of these systems show the presence of high ionization emission lines along with the strong Balmer emission lines with an inverted Balmer decrement. Cyclotron harmonics are also detected in the optical spectra from which we infer magnetic field strength of the surface of the white dwarf to be 49$\pm$2 MG, 43.5$\pm$1.4 MG, and 44$\pm$1 MG for RX J0859.1+0537, RX J0749.1-0549, and RX J0649.8-0737, respectively.

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arXiv2019

GROWTH on S190425z: Searching thousands of square degrees to identify an optical or infrared counterpart to a binary neutron star merger with the Zwicky Transient Facility and Palomar Gattini IR

The third observing run by LVC has brought the discovery of many compact binary coalescences. Following the detection of the first binary neutron star merger in this run (LIGO/Virgo S190425z), we performed a dedicated follow-up campaign with the Zwicky Transient Facility (ZTF) and Palomar Gattini-IR telescopes. The initial skymap of this single-detector gravitational wave (GW) trigger spanned most of the sky observable from Palomar Observatory. Covering 8000 deg$^2$ of the initial skymap over the next two nights, corresponding to 46\% integrated probability, ZTF system achieved a depth of $\approx$\,21 $m_\textrm{AB}$ in $g$- and $r$-bands. Palomar Gattini-IR covered 2200 square degrees in $J$-band to a depth of 15.5\,mag, including 32\% integrated probability based on the initial sky map. The revised skymap issued the following day reduced these numbers to 21\% for the Zwicky Transient Facility and 19\% for Palomar Gattini-IR. We narrowed 338,646 ZTF transient "alerts" over the first two nights of observations to 15 candidate counterparts. Two candidates, ZTF19aarykkb and ZTF19aarzaod, were particularly compelling given that their location, distance, and age were consistent with the GW event, and their early optical lightcurves were photometrically consistent with that of kilonovae. These two candidates were spectroscopically classified as young core-collapse supernovae. The remaining candidates were ruled-out as supernovae. Palomar Gattini-IR did not identify any viable candidates with multiple detections only after merger time. We demonstrate that even with single-detector GW events localized to thousands of square degrees, systematic kilonova discovery is feasible.

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arXiv2019

SN 2018hna: 1987A-like supernova with a signature of shock breakout

High cadence ultraviolet, optical and near-infrared photometric and low-resolution spectroscopic observations of the peculiar Type II supernova (SN) 2018hna are presented. The early phase multiband light curves exhibit the adiabatic cooling envelope emission following the shock breakout up to ~14 days from the explosion. SN~2018hna has a rise time of $\sim$\,88 days in the V-band, similar to SN 1987A. A $\rm^{56}Ni$ mass of ~0.087$\pm$0.004 $\rm M_{\odot}$ is inferred for SN 2018hna from its bolometric light curve. Hydrodynamical modelling of the cooling phase suggests a progenitor with a radius ~50 $\rm R_{\odot}$, a mass of ~14-20 $\rm M_{\odot}$ and explosion energy of ~1.7-2.9$\rm \times$ $\rm 10^{51}\ erg$. The smaller inferred radius of the progenitor than a standard red supergiant is indicative of a blue supergiant progenitor of SN 2018hna. A sub-solar metallicity (~0.3 $\rm Z_{\odot}$) is inferred for the host galaxy UGC 07534, concurrent with the low-metallicity environments of 1987A-like events.

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arXiv2019

Multi-band optical variability of 3C 279 on diverse timescales

We have monitored the flat spectrum radio quasar, 3C 279, in the optical $B$, $V$, $R$ and $I$ passbands from 2018 February to 2018 July for 24 nights, with a total of 716 frames, to study flux, colour and spectral variability on diverse timescales. 3C\,279 was observed using seven different telescopes: two in India, two in Argentina, two in Bulgaria and one in Turkey to understand the nature of the source in optical regime. The source was found to be active during the whole monitoring period and displayed significant flux variations in $B$, $V$, $R$, and $I$ passbands. Variability amplitudes on intraday basis varied from 5.20\% to 17.9\%. A close inspection of variability patterns during our observation cycle reveals simultaneity among optical emissions from all passbands. During the complete monitoring period, progressive increase in the amplitude of variability with frequency was detected for our target. The amplitudes of variability in $B$, $V$, $R$ and $I$ passbands have been estimated to be 177\%, 172\%, 171\% and 158\%, respectively. Using the structure function technique, we found intraday timescales ranging from $\sim 23$ minutes to about 115 minutes. We also studied colour-magnitude relationship and found indications of mild bluer-when-brighter trend on shorter timescales. Spectral indices ranged from 2.3 to 3.0 with no clear trend on long term basis. We have also generated spectral energy distributions for 3C\,279 in optical $B$, $V$, $R$ and $I$ passbands for 17 nights. Finally, possible emission mechanisms causing variability in blazars are discussed briefly.

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