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Gastón Folatelli

Publications and source records attributed to Gastón Folatelli.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Rapid follow-up observations of infant supernovae with the Gran Telescopio Canarias

The first few hours of a supernova (SN) contain significant information about the progenitor system. The most modern wide-field surveys that scan the sky repeatedly every few days can discover all kinds of transients in those early epochs. At such times, some progenitor footprints may be visible, elucidating critical explosion parameters and helping to distinguish between leading explosion models. A dedicated spectroscopic classification programme using the optical spectrograph OSIRIS mounted on the Gran Telescopio Canarias was set up to try to obtain observations of supernovae (SNe) at those early epochs. With the time awarded, we obtained spectra of 10 SN candidates, which we present here. Half of them were thermonuclear SNe, while the other half were core-collapse SNe. Most (70\%) were observed within the first six days of the estimated explosion, with two being captured within the first 48\,hr. We present a characterization of the spectra, together with other public ancillary photometry from the Zwicky Transient Facility (ZTF) and the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS). This project shows the need for an accompanying rapid-response spectroscopic programme for existing and future deep photometric wide-field surveys located at the right longitude to be able to trigger observations in a few hours after the discovery of the SN candidate.

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SN 2023ixf: interaction signatures in the spectrum at 445 days

SN 2023ixf is one of the most neaby and brightest Type II supernovae (SNe) of the past decades. A rich set of pre-explosion data provided important insight on the properties of the progenitor star. There has been a wide range of estimated initial masses of 9 - 22 $M{_\odot}$. Early monitoring of the SN also showed the presence of a dense CSM structure near the star ($10^{15}$ cm) that was probably expelled in the last years prior to the explosion. These extended CSM structure can be further probed with late-time observations during the nebular phase. This study is based on a nebular spectrum obtained with GMOS at the Gemini North Telescope 445 days after explosion. The SN evolution is analyzed in comparison with a previous spectrum at an age of 259 days, and compared with those of similar SNe II and with synthetic radiation-transfer nebular spectra. The 445-d spectrum exhibits a dramatic evolution with clear signs of ejecta-CSM interaction. The H$α$ profile shows a complex profile that can be separated into a boxy component arising from the interaction with a CSM shell and a central peaked component that may be due to the radioactive-powered SN ejecta. The CSM shell would be located at a distance of $\approx10^{16}$ cm from the progenitor and it may be associated with mass loss occurring up until $\approx 500 - 1000$ years before the explosion. Similar interaction signatures have been detected in other SNe II, although for events with standard plateau durations this happened at times later than 600 - 700 days. SN 2023ixf appears to belong to a group of SNe II with short plateaus or linear light curves that develop interaction features before $\approx 500$ days. Other lines, such as those from [O I] and [Ca II] appear to be unaffected by the CSM interaction. This allowed us to estimate an initial progenitor mass, which resulted in the relatively low range of 10 - 15 $M{_\odot}$.

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The enigmatic double-peaked stripped-envelope SN 2023aew

We present optical and near-infrared photometry and spectroscopy of SN 2023aew and our findings on its remarkable properties. This event, initially resembling a Type IIb supernova (SN), rebrightens dramatically $\sim$90 d after the first peak, at which time its spectrum transforms into that of a SN Ic. The slowly evolving spectrum specifically resembles a post-peak SN~Ic with relatively low line velocities even during the second rise. The second peak, reached 119 d after the first peak, is both more luminous ($M_r = -18.75\pm0.04$ mag) and much broader than those of typical SNe Ic. Blackbody fits to SN 2023aew indicate that the photosphere shrinks almost throughout its observed evolution, and the second peak is caused by an increasing temperature. Bumps in the light curve after the second peak suggest interaction with circumstellar matter (CSM) or possibly accretion. We consider several scenarios for producing the unprecedented behavior of SN 2023aew. Two separate SNe, either unrelated or from the same binary system, require either an incredible coincidence or extreme fine-tuning. A pre-SN eruption followed by a SN requires an extremely powerful, SN-like eruption (consistent with $\sim$10$^{51}$ erg) and is also disfavored. We therefore consider only the first peak a true stellar explosion. The observed evolution is difficult to reproduce if the second peak is dominated by interaction with a distant CSM shell. A delayed internal heating mechanism is more likely, but emerging embedded interaction with a CSM disk should be accompanied by CSM lines in the spectrum, which are not observed, and is difficult to hide long enough. A magnetar central engine requires a delayed onset to explain the long time between the peaks. Delayed fallback accretion onto a black hole may present the most promising scenario, but we cannot definitively establish the power source.

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Progenitor mass and ejecta asymmetry of SN 2023ixf from nebular spectroscopy

Context. SN 2023ixf was discovered in Galaxy M101 in May 2023. Its proximity made it an extremely valuable opportunity for the scientific community to study the characteristics of the SN and its progenitor. A point source detected on archival images and hydrodynamical modelling of the bolometric light curve has been used to constrain the former star's properties. There is a significant variation in the published results regarding the initial mass of the progenitor. Nebular spectroscopy provides an independent tool to enhance our understanding of the supernova and its progenitor. Aims. We determine the SN progenitor mass by studying the first published nebular spectrum taken 259 days after the explosion. Methods. We analyze the nebular spectrum taken with GMOS at the Gemini North Telescope. Typical emission lines are identified, such as [O I], Hα, [Ca II], among others. Some species' line profiles show broad and narrow components, indicating two ejecta velocities and an asymmetric ejecta. We infer the progenitor mass of SN 2023ixf by comparing with synthetic spectra and by measuring the forbidden oxygen doublet flux. Results. Based on the flux ratio and the direct comparison with spectra models, the progenitor star of SN 2023ixf had a M_{ZAMS} between 12 and 15 M{_\odot}. In comparison with this, we find the use of the [O I] doublet flux to be less constraining of the progenitor mass. Our results agree with those from hydrodynamical modelling of the early light curve and pre-explosion image estimates pointing to a relatively low-mass progenitor.

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The metamorphosis of the Type Ib SN 2019yvr: late-time interaction

We present observational evidence of late-time interaction between the ejecta of the hydrogen-poor Type Ib supernova (SN) 2019yvr and hydrogen-rich circumstellar material (CSM), similar to the Type Ib SN 2014C. A narrow Hα emission line appears simultaneously with a break in the light-curve decline rate at around 80-100 d after explosion. From the interaction delay and the ejecta velocity, under the assumption that the CSM is detached from the progenitor, we estimate the CSM inner radius to be located at ~6.5-9.1 {\times} 10^{15} cm. The Hα emission line persists throughout the nebular phase at least up to +420 d post-explosion, with a full width at half maximum of ~2000 km/s. Assuming a steady mass-loss, the estimated mass-loss rate from the luminosity of the Hα line is ~3-7 {\times} 10^{-5} M_\odot yr^{-1}. From hydrodynamical modelling and analysis of the nebular spectra, we find a progenitor He-core mass of 3-4 M{_\odot}, which would imply an initial mass of 13-15 M{_\odot}. Our result supports the case of a relatively low-mass progenitor possibly in a binary system as opposed to a higher mass single star undergoing a luminous blue variable phase.

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Carnegie Supernova Project-I and -II: Measurements of $H_0$ using Cepheid, TRGB, and SBF Distance Calibration to Type Ia Supernovae

We present an analysis of Type Ia Supernovae (SNe~Ia) from both the Carnegie Supernova Project~I (CSP-I) and II (CSP-II), and extend the Hubble diagram from the optical to the near-infrared wavelengths ($uBgVriYJH$). We calculate the Hubble constant, $H_0$, using various distance calibrators: Cepheids, Tip of the Red Giant Branch (TRGB), and Surface Brightness Fluctuations (SBF). Combining all methods of calibrations, we derive $\rm H_0=71.76 \pm 0.58 \ (stat) \pm 1.19 \ (sys) \ km \ s^{-1} \ Mpc^{-1}$ from $B$-band, and $\rm H_0=73.22 \pm 0.68 \ (stat) \pm 1.28 \ (sys) \ km \ s^{-1} \ Mpc^{-1}$ from $H$-band. By assigning equal weight to the Cepheid, TRGB, and SBF calibrators, we derive the systematic errors required for consistency in the first rung of the distance ladder, resulting in a systematic error of $1.2\sim 1.3 \rm \ km \ s^{-1} \ Mpc^{-1}$ in $H_0$. As a result, relative to the statistics-only uncertainty, the tension between the late-time $H_0$ we derive by combining the various distance calibrators and the early-time $H_0$ from the Cosmic Microwave Background is reduced. The highest precision in SN~Ia luminosity is found in the $Y$ band ($0.12\pm0.01$ mag), as defined by the intrinsic scatter ($σ_{int}$). We revisit SN~Ia Hubble residual-host mass correlations and recover previous results that these correlations do not change significantly between the optical and the near-infrared wavelengths. Finally, SNe~Ia that explode beyond 10 kpc from their host centers exhibit smaller dispersion in their luminosity, confirming our earlier findings. Reduced effect of dust in the outskirt of hosts may be responsible for this effect.

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Fast and Not-so-Furious: Case Study of the Fast and Faint Type IIb SN 2021bxu

We present photometric and spectroscopic observations and analysis of SN 2021bxu (ATLAS21dov), a low-luminosity, fast-evolving Type IIb supernova (SN). SN 2021bxu is unique, showing a large initial decline in brightness followed by a short plateau phase. With $M_r = -15.93 \pm 0.16\, \mathrm{mag}$ during the plateau, it is at the lower end of the luminosity distribution of stripped-envelope supernovae (SE-SNe) and shows a distinct $\sim$10 day plateau not caused by H- or He-recombination. SN 2021bxu shows line velocities which are at least $\sim1500\,\mathrm{km\,s^{-1}}$ slower than typical SE-SNe. It is photometrically and spectroscopically similar to Type IIb SNe during the photospheric phases of evolution, with similarities to Ca-rich IIb SNe. We find that the bolometric light curve is best described by a composite model of shock interaction between the ejecta and an envelope of extended material, combined with a typical SN IIb powered by the radioactive decay of $^{56}$Ni. The best-fit parameters for SN 2021bxu include a $^{56}$Ni mass of $M_{\mathrm{Ni}} = 0.029^{+0.004}_{-0.005}\,\mathrm{M_{\odot}}$, an ejecta mass of $M_{\mathrm{ej}} = 0.61^{+0.06}_{-0.05}\,\mathrm{M_{\odot}}$, and an ejecta kinetic energy of $K_{\mathrm{ej}} = 8.8^{+1.1}_{-1.0} \times 10^{49}\, \mathrm{erg}$. From the fits to the properties of the extended material of Ca-rich IIb SNe we find a trend of decreasing envelope radius with increasing envelope mass. SN 2021bxu has $M_{\mathrm{Ni}}$ on the low end compared to SE-SNe and Ca-rich SNe in the literature, demonstrating that SN 2021bxu-like events are rare explosions in extreme areas of parameter space. The progenitor of SN 2021bxu is likely a low mass He star with an extended envelope.

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The Blue Supergiant Progenitor of the Supernova Imposter AT~2019krl

Extensive archival \textit{Hubble Space Telescope}, \textit{Spitzer Space Telescope}, and Large Binocular Telescope imaging of the recent intermediate-luminosity transient, AT~2019krl in M74, reveal a bright optical and mid-infrared progenitor star. While the optical peak of the event was missed, a peak was detected in the infrared with an absolute magnitude of $M_{4.5\,μ{\rm m}} = -18.4$ mag, leading us to infer a visual-wavelength peak absolute magnitude of $-$13.5 to $-$14.5. The pre-discovery light curve indicated no outbursts over the previous 16\,yr. The colors, magnitudes, and inferred temperatures of the progenitor best match a 13--14 M$_{\sun}$ yellow or blue supergiant (BSG), if only foreground extinction is taken into account, or a hotter and more massive star, if any additional local extinction is included. A pre-eruption spectrum of the star reveals strong H$α$ and [N~{\sc ii}] emission with wings extending to $\pm 2000$\,km\,s$^{-1}$. The post-eruption spectrum is fairly flat and featureless with only H$α$, \ion{Na}{1}~D, [\ion{Ca}{2}], and the \ion{Ca}{2} triplet in emission. As in many previous intermediate-luminosity transients, AT~2019krl shows remarkable observational similarities to luminous blue variable (LBV) giant eruptions, SN~2008S-like events, and massive-star mergers. However, the information about the pre-eruption star favors either a relatively unobscured BSG or a more extinguished LBV with $M > 20$\,M$_{\sun}$ likely viewed pole-on.

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The electron-capture origin of supernova 2018zd

In the transitional mass range ($\sim$ 8-10 solar masses) between white dwarf formation and iron core-collapse supernovae, stars are expected to produce an electron-capture supernova. Theoretically, these progenitors are thought to be super-asymptotic giant branch stars with a degenerate O+Ne+Mg core, and electron capture onto Ne and Mg nuclei should initiate core collapse. However, no supernovae have unequivocally been identified from an electron-capture origin, partly because of uncertainty in theoretical predictions. Here we present six indicators of electron-capture supernovae and show that supernova 2018zd is the only known supernova having strong evidence for or consistent with all six: progenitor identification, circumstellar material, chemical composition, explosion energy, light curve, and nucleosynthesis. For supernova 2018zd, we infer a super-asymptotic giant branch progenitor based on the faint candidate in the pre-explosion images and the chemically-enriched circumstellar material revealed by the early ultraviolet colours and flash spectroscopy. The light-curve morphology and nebular emission lines can be explained with the low explosion energy and neutron-rich nucleosynthesis produced in an electron-capture supernova. This identification provides insights into the complex stellar evolution, supernova physics, cosmic nucleosynthesis, and remnant populations in the transitional mass range.

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Luminous Type II Short-Plateau Supernovae 2006Y, 2006ai, and 2016egz: A Transitional Class from Stripped Massive Red Supergiants

The diversity of Type II supernovae (SNe II) is thought to be driven mainly by differences in their progenitor's hydrogen-rich (H-rich) envelope mass, with SNe IIP having long plateaus ($\sim100$ days) and the most massive H-rich envelopes. However, it is an ongoing mystery why SNe II with short plateaus (tens of days) are rarely seen. Here, we present optical/near-infrared photometric and spectroscopic observations of luminous Type II short-plateau SNe 2006Y, 2006ai, and 2016egz. Their plateaus of about $50$-$70$ days and luminous optical peaks ($\lesssim-18.4$ mag) indicate significant pre-explosion mass loss resulting in partially stripped H-rich envelopes and early circumstellar material (CSM) interaction. We compute a large grid of MESA+STELLA single-star progenitor and light-curve models with various progenitor zero-age main-sequence (ZAMS) masses, mass-loss efficiencies, explosion energies, $^{56}$Ni masses, and CSM densities. Our model grid shows a continuous population of SNe IIP-IIL-IIb-like light-curve morphology in descending order of H-rich envelope mass. With large $^{56}$Ni masses ($\gtrsim0.05\,M_\odot$), short-plateau SNe II lie in a confined parameter space as a transitional class between SNe IIL and IIb. For SNe 2006Y, 2006ai, and 2016egz, our findings suggest high-mass red supergiant (RSG) progenitors ($M_{\rm ZAMS} \simeq 18$-$22\,M_{\odot}$) with small H-rich envelope masses ($M_{\rm H_{\rm env}} \simeq 1.7\,M_{\odot}$) that have experienced enhanced mass loss ($\dot{M} \simeq 10^{-2}\,M_{\odot}\,{\rm yr}^{-1}$) for the last few decades before the explosion. If high-mass RSGs result in rare short-plateau SNe II, then these events might ease some of the apparent underrepresentation of higher-luminosity RSGs in observed SN II progenitor samples.

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Another Servicing Mission to Extend Hubble Space Telescope's Science past the Next Decade

The Hubble Space Telescope has produced astonishing science over the past thirty years. Hubble's productivity can continue to soar for years to come provided some worn out components get upgraded. While powerful new ground-based and space telescopes are expected to come online over the next decade, none of them will have the UV capabilities that make Hubble a unique observatory. Without Hubble, progress in UV and blue optical astrophysics will be halted. Observations at these wavelengths are key for a range of unresolved astrophysics questions, ranging from the characterization of solar system planets to understanding interaction of galaxies with the intergalactic medium and the formation history of the universe. Hubble will remain our only source of high-angular resolution UV imaging and high-sensitivity UV spectroscopy for the next two decades, offering the ability for continued unique science and maximizing the science return from complementary observatories. Therefore, we recommend that NASA, ESA, and the private sector study the scientific merit, technical feasibility, and risk of a new servicing mission to Hubble to boost its orbit, fix aging components, and expand its instrumentation. Doing so would: 1) keep Hubble on its path to reach its unmet full potential, 2) extend the mission's lifetime past the next decade, which will maximize the synergy of Hubble with other upcoming facilities, and 3) enable and enhance the continuation of scientific discoveries in UV and optical astrophysics.

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Carnegie Supernova Project-II: Extending the Near-Infrared Hubble Diagram for Type Ia Supernovae to $z\sim0.1$

The Carnegie Supernova Project-II (CSP-II) was an NSF-funded, four-year program to obtain optical and near-infrared observations of a "Cosmology" sample of $\sim100$ Type Ia supernovae located in the smooth Hubble flow ($0.03 \lesssim z \lesssim 0.10$). Light curves were also obtained of a "Physics" sample composed of 90 nearby Type Ia supernovae at $z \leq 0.04$ selected for near-infrared spectroscopic time-series observations. The primary emphasis of the CSP-II is to use the combination of optical and near-infrared photometry to achieve a distance precision of better than 5%. In this paper, details of the supernova sample, the observational strategy, and the characteristics of the photometric data are provided. In a companion paper, the near-infrared spectroscopy component of the project is presented.

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SN 2012fr: Ultraviolet, Optical, and Near-Infrared Light Curves of a Type Ia Supernova Observed Within a Day of Explosion

We present detailed ultraviolet, optical and near-infrared light curves of the Type Ia supernova (SN) 2012fr, which exploded in the Fornax cluster member NGC 1365. These precise high-cadence light curves provide a dense coverage of the flux evolution from $-$12 to $+$140 days with respect to the epoch of $B$-band maximum (\tmax). Supplementary imaging at the earliest epochs reveals an initial slow, nearly linear rise in luminosity with a duration of $\sim$2.5 days, followed by a faster rising phase that is well reproduced by an explosion model with a moderate amount of $^{56}$Ni mixing in the ejecta. From an analysis of the light curves, we conclude: $(i)$ explosion occurred $< 22$ hours before the first detection of the supernova, $(ii)$ the rise time to peak bolometric ($λ> 1800 $Å) luminosity was $16.5 \pm 0.6$ days, $(iii)$ the supernova suffered little or no host-galaxy dust reddening, $(iv)$ the peak luminosity in both the optical and near-infrared was consistent with the bright end of normal Type Ia diversity, and $(v)$ $0.60 \pm 0.15 M_{\odot}$ of $^{56}$Ni was synthesized in the explosion. Despite its normal luminosity, SN 2012fr displayed unusually prevalent high-velocity \ion{Ca}{2} and \ion{Si}{2} absorption features, and a nearly constant photospheric velocity of the \ion{Si}{2} $λ$6355 line at $\sim$12,000 \kms\ beginning $\sim$5 days before \tmax. Other peculiarities in the early phase photometry and the spectral evolution are highlighted. SN 2012fr also adds to a growing number of Type Ia supernovae hosted by galaxies with direct Cepheid distance measurements.

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Type II supernova spectral diversity II: Spectroscopic and photometric correlations

We present an analysis of observed trends and correlations between a large range of spectral and photometric parameters of more than 100 type II supernovae (SNe~II), during the photospheric phase. We define a common epoch for all SNe of 50 days post-explosion where the majority of the sample is likely to be under similar physical conditions. Several correlation matrices are produced to search for interesting trends between more than 30 distinct light-curve and spectral properties that characterize the diversity of SNe~II. Overall, SNe with higher expansion velocities are brighter, have more rapidly declining light-curves, shorter plateau durations, and higher $^{56}$Ni masses. Using a larger sample than previous studies, we argue that `$Pd$' - the plateau duration from the transition of the initial to `plateau' decline rates to the end of the `plateau' - is a better indicator of the hydrogen envelope mass than the traditionally used optically thick phase duration ($OPTd$: explosion epoch to end of plateau). This argument is supported by the fact that $Pd$ also correlates with s$_3$, the light-curve decline rate at late times: lower $Pd$ values correlate with larger s$_3$ decline rates. Large s$_3$ decline rates are likely related to lower envelope masses that enables gamma-ray escape. We also find a significant anticorrelation between $Pd$ and s$_2$ (the plateau decline rate), confirming the long standing hypothesis that faster declining SNe~II (SNe~IIL) are the result of explosions with lower hydrogen envelope masses and therefore have shorter $Pd$ values.

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Type II supernova spectral diversity I: Observations, sample characterization and spectral line evolution

We present 888 visual-wavelength spectra of 122 nearby type II supernovae (SNe II) obtained between 1986 and 2009, and ranging between 3 and 363 days post explosion. In this first paper, we outline our observations and data reduction techniques, together with a characterization based on the spectral diversity of SNe~II. A statistical analysis of the spectral matching technique is discussed as an alternative to non-detection constraints for estimating SN explosion epochs. The time evolution of spectral lines is presented and analysed in terms of how this differs for SNe of different photometric, spectral, and environmental properties: velocities, pseudo-equivalent widths, decline rates, magnitudes, time durations, and environment metallicity. Our sample displays a large range in ejecta expansion velocities, from $\sim9600$ to $\sim1500$ km s$^{-1}$ at 50 days post explosion with a median H$_α$ value of 7300 km s$^{-1}$. This is most likely explained through differing explosion energies. Significant diversity is also observed in the absolute strength of spectral lines, characterised through their pseudo-equivalent widths. This implies significant diversity in both temperature evolution (linked to progenitor radius) and progenitor metallicity between different SNe~II. Around 60\% of our sample show an extra absorption component on the blue side of the H$_α$ P-Cygni profile ("Cachito" feature) between 7 and 120 days since explosion. Studying the nature of Cachito, we conclude that these features at early times (before $\sim35$ days) are associated with \ion{Si}{2} $\lambda6355$, while past the middle of the plateau phase they are related to high velocity (HV) features of hydrogen lines.

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Disappearance of the Progenitor of Supernova iPTF13bvn

Supernova (SN) iPTF13bvn in NGC 5806 was the first Type Ib SN to have been tentatively associated with a progenitor candidate in pre-explosion images. We performed deep ultraviolet (UV) and optical Hubble Space Telescope (HST) observations of the SN site 740 days after explosion. We detect an object in the optical bands that is fainter than the pre-explosion object. This dimming is likely not produced by dust absorption in the ejecta; thus, our finding confirms the connection of the progenitor candidate with the SN. The object in our data is likely dominated by the fading SN, which implies that the pre-SN flux is mostly due to the progenitor. We compare our revised pre-SN photometry with previously proposed progenitor models. Although binary progenitors are favored, models need to be refined. In particular, to comply with our deep UV detection limit, any companion star must be less luminous than a late-O star or substantially obscured by newly formed dust. A definitive progenitor characterization will require further observations to disentangle the contribution of a much fainter SN and its environment.

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Supernova 2010ev: A reddened high velocity gradient type Ia supernova

Aims. We present and study the spectroscopic and photometric evolution of the type Ia supernova (SN Ia) 2010ev. Methods. We obtain and analyze multi-band optical light curves and optical-near-infrared spectroscopy at low and medium resolution spanning from -7 days to +300 days from the B-band maximum. Results. A photometric analysis shows that SN 2010ev is a SN Ia of normal brightness with a light curve shape of $Δm_{15}(B)=1.12 \pm 0.02$ and a stretch s = $0.94 \pm 0.01$ suffering significant reddening. From photometric and spectroscopic analysis, we deduce a color excess of $E(B - V) = 0.25 \pm 0.05$ and a reddening law of $R_v = 1.54 \pm 0.65$. Spectroscopically, SN 2010ev belongs to the broad-line SN Ia group, showing stronger than average Si II λ6355 absorption features. We also find that SN 2010ev is a high-velocity gradient SN, with a value of $164 \pm 7$ km s$^{-1}$ d$^{-1}$. The photometric and spectral comparison with other supernovae shows that SN 2010ev has similar colors and velocities to SN 2002bo and SN 2002dj. The analysis of the nebular spectra indicates that the [Fe II] λ7155 and [Ni II] λ7378 lines are redshifted, as expected for a high velocity gradient supernova. All these common intrinsic and extrinsic properties of the high velocity gradient (HVG) group are different from the low velocity gradient (LVG) normal SN Ia population and suggest significant variety in SN Ia explosions.

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UBVRIz Light Curves of 51 Type II Supernovae

We present a compilation of UBV RIz light curves of 51 type II supernovae discovered during the course of four different surveys during 1986 to 2003: the Cerro Tololo Supernova Survey, the Calan/Tololo Supernova Program (C&T), the Supernova Optical and Infrared Survey (SOIRS), and the Carnegie Type II Supernova Survey (CATS). The photometry is based on template-subtracted images to eliminate any potential host galaxy light contamination, and calibrated from foreground stars. This work presents these photometric data, studies the color evolution using different bands, and explores the relation between the magnitude at maximum brightness and the brightness decline parameter (s) from maximum light through the end of the recombination phase. This parameter is found to be shallower for redder bands and appears to have the best correlation in the B band. In addition, it also correlates with the plateau duration, being thus shorter (longer) for larger (smaller) s values.

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