arXiv subjects

K. Nomoto

Publications and source records attributed to K. Nomoto.

At least 73 records · Page 4Linked to original sources

arXiv2007

X-Ray, UV, and Optical Observations of Supernova 2006bp with Swift: Detection of Early X-Ray Emission

We present results on the X-ray and optical/UV emission from the type IIP SN 2006bp and the interaction of the SN shock with its environment, obtained with the X-Ray Telescope (XRT) and UV/Optical Telescope (UVOT) on-board the Swift observatory. SN 2006bp is detected in X-rays at a 4.5 sigma level of significance in the merged XRT data from days 1 to 12 after the explosion. If the X-ray luminosity of (1.8+/-0.4)E39 ergs/s is caused by interaction of the SN shock with circumstellar material (CSM), deposited by a stellar wind from the progenitor's companion star, a mass-loss rate of ~E-05 M_sun/yr is inferred. The mass-loss rate is consistent with the non-detection in the radio with the VLA on days 2, 9, and 11 after the explosion and characteristic of a red supergiant progenitor with a mass around 12-15 M_sun prior to the explosion. In combination with a follow-up XMM-Newton observation obtained on day 21 after the explosion, an X-ray rate of decline with index 1.2+/-0.6 is inferred. Since no other SN has been detected in X-rays prior to the optical peak and since type IIP SNe have an extended 'plateau' phase in the optical, we discuss the scenario that the X-rays might be due to inverse Compton scattering of photospheric optical photons off relativistic electrons produced in circumstellar shocks. However, due to the high required value of the Lorentz factor (~10-100) we conclude that Inverse Compton scattering is an unlikely explanation for the observed X-ray emission. The fast evolution of the optical/ultraviolet spectral energy distribution and the spectral changes observed with Swift reveal the onset of metal line-blanketing and cooling of the expanding photosphere during the first few weeks after the outburst.

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arXiv2007

Diversity of the Supernova - Gamma-Ray Burst Connection

The connection between the long Gamma Ray Bursts (GRBs) and Type Ic Supernovae (SNe) has revealed interesting diversity. We review the following types of the GRB-SN connection. (1) GRB-SNe: The three SNe all explode with energies much larger than those of typical SNe, thus being called Hypernovae (HNe). They are massive enough for forming black holes. (2) Non-GRB HNe/SNe: Some HNe are not associated with GRBs. (3) XRF-SN: SN 2006aj associated with X-Ray Flash 060218 is dimmer than GRB-SNe and has very weak oxygen lines. Its progenitor mass is estimated to be small enough to form a neutron star rather than a black hole. (4) Non-SN GRB: Two nearby long GRBs were not associated SNe. Such ``dark HNe'' have been predicted in this talk (i.e., just before the discoveries) in order to explain the origin of C-rich (hyper) metal-poor stars. This would be an important confirmation of the Hypernova-First Star connection. We will show our attempt to explain the diversity in a unified manner with the jet-induced explosion model.

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arXiv2007

Constraints on Type Ib/c and GRB Progenitors

Although there is strong support for the collapsar engine as the power source of long-duration gamma-ray bursts (GRBs), we still do not definitively know the progenitor of these explosions. Here we review the current set of progenitor scenarios for long-duration GRBs and the observational constraints on these scenarios. Examining these, we find that single-star models cannot be the only progenitor for long-duration GRBs. Several binary progenitors can match the solid observational constraints and also have the potential to match the trends we are currently seeing in the observations. Type Ib/c supernovae are also likely to be produced primarily in binaries; we discuss the relationship between the progenitors of these explosions and those of the long-duration GRBs.

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arXiv2006

Asymmetric Explosion of Type Ia Supernovae as Seen from Near Infrared Observations

We present near-infrared spectra of late phase (>200 d) Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) taken at the Subaru telescope. The [Fe II] line of SN 2003hv shows a clear flat-topped feature, while that of SN 2005W show less prominent flatness. In addition, a large shift in their line center, varying from -3000 to 1000 (km/s) with respect to the host galaxies, is seen. Such a shift suggests the occurrence of an off-center, non-spherical explosion in the central region, and provides important, new constraints on the explosion models of SNe Ia.

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arXiv2006

An optical supernova associated with the X-ray flash XRF 060218

Long-duration gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) are associated with type Ic supernovae that are more luminous than average and that eject material at very high velocities. Less-luminous supernovae were not hitherto known to be associated with GRBs, and therefore GRB-supernovae were thought to be rare events. Whether X-ray flashes - analogues of GRBs, but with lower luminosities and fewer gamma-rays - can also be associated with supernovae, and whether they are intrinsically 'weak' events or typical GRBs viewed off the axis of the burst, is unclear. Here we report the optical discovery and follow-up observations of the type Ic supernova SN 2006aj associated with X-ray flash XRF 060218. Supernova 2006aj is intrinsically less luminous than the GRB-supernovae, but more luminous than many supernovae not accompanied by a GRB. The ejecta velocities derived from our spectra are intermediate between these two groups, which is consistent with the weakness of both the GRB output and the supernova radio flux. Our data, combined with radio and X-ray observations, suggest that XRF 060218 is an intrinsically weak and soft event, rather than a classical GRB observed off-axis. This extends the GRB-supernova connection to X-ray flashes and fainter supernovae, implying a common origin. Events such as XRF 060218 are probably more numerous than GRB-supernovae.

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arXiv2006

Galactic chemical evolution: Carbon through Zinc

We calculate the evolution of heavy element abundances from C to Zn in the solar neighborhood adopting our new nucleosynthesis yields. Our yields are calculated for wide ranges of metallicity (Z=0-Z_\odot) and the explosion energy (normal supernovae and hypernovae), based on the light curve and spectra fitting of individual supernovae. The elemental abundance ratios are in good agreement with observations. Among the alpha-elements, O, Mg, Si, S, and Ca show a plateau at [Fe/H] < -1, while Ti is underabundant overall. The observed abundance of Zn ([Zn/Fe] ~ 0) can be explained only by the high energy explosion models, which requires a large contribution of hypernovae. The observed decrease in the odd-Z elements (Na, Al, and Cu) toward low [Fe/H] is reproduced by the metallicity effect on nucleosynthesis. The iron-peak elements (Cr, Mn, Co, and Ni) are consistent with the observed mean values at -2.5 < [Fe/H] < -1$, and the observed trend at the lower metallicity can be explained by the energy effect. We also show the abundance ratios and the metallicity distribution functions of the Galactic bulge, halo, and thick disk. Our results suggest that the formation timescale of the thick disk is ~ 1-3 Gyr.

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arXiv2006

X-Ray Observations of Type Ia Supernovae with Swift: Evidence for Circumstellar Interaction for SN 2005ke

We present a study of the early (days to weeks) X-ray and UV properties of eight Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) which have been extensively observed with the X-Ray Telescope (XRT) and UV/Optical Telescope (UVOT) onboard Swift, ranging from 5-132 days after the outburst. SN 2005ke is tentatively detected (at a 3-3.6 sigma level of significance) in X-rays based on deep monitoring with the XRT ranging from 8 to 120 days after the outburst. The inferred X-ray luminosity [(2+/-1) x 10^{38} ergs/s; 0.3-2 keV band] is likely caused by interaction of the SN shock with circumstellar material (CSM), deposited by a stellar wind from the progenitor's companion star with a mass-loss rate of ~ 3 x 10^{-6} M_sun/yr (v_w/10 km/s). Evidence of CSM interaction in X-rays is independently confirmed by an excess of UV emission as observed with the UVOT onboard Swift, starting around 35 days after the explosion. The non-detection of SN 2005ke with Chandra 105 days after the outburst implies a rate of decline steeper than L_x \propto t^{-0.75}, consistent with the decline expected from the interaction of the SN shock with a spherically symmetric CSM (t^{-1}). None of the other seven SNe Ia is detected in X-rays or shows a UV excess, which allows us to put tight constraints on the mass-loss rates of the progenitor systems.

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arXiv2006

SN 2005cs in M51 I. The first month of evolution of a subluminous SN II plateau

Early time optical observations of supernova (SN) 2005cs in the Whirlpool Galaxy (M51), are reported. Photometric data suggest that SN 2005cs is a moderately under-luminous Type II plateau supernova (SN IIP). The SN was unusually blue at early epochs (U-B ~ -0.9 about three days after explosion) which indicates very high continuum temperatures. The spectra show relatively narrow P-Cygni features, suggesting ejecta velocities lower than observed in more typical SNe IIP. The earliest spectra show weak absorption features in the blue wing of the He I 5876A absorption component and, less clearly, of H$β$ and H$α$. Based on spectral modelling, two different interpretations can be proposed: these features may either be due to high-velocity H and He I components, or (more likely) be produced by different ions (N II, Si II). Analogies with the low-luminosity, $^{56}$Ni-poor, low-velocity SNe IIP are also discussed. While a more extended spectral coverage is necessary in order to determine accurately the properties of the progenitor star, published estimates of the progenitor mass seem not to be consistent with stellar evolution models.

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arXiv2006

Core-Collapse Very Massive Stars: Evolution, Explosion, and Nucleosynthesis of Population III 500 -- 1000 $M_{\odot}$ Stars

We calculate evolution, collapse, explosion, and nucleosynthesis of Population III very-massive stars with 500$M_{\odot}$ and 1000$M_{\odot}$. Presupernova evolution is calculated in spherical symmetry. Collapse and explosion are calculated by a two-dimensional code, based on the bipolar jet models. We compare the results of nucleosynthesis with the abundance patterns of intracluster matter, hot gases in M82, and extremely metal-poor stars in the Galactic halo. It was found that both 500$M_{\odot}$ and 1000$M_{\odot}$ models enter the region of pair-instability but continue to undergo core collapse. In the presupernova stage, silicon burning regions occupy a large fraction, more than 20% of the total mass. For moderately aspherical explosions, the patterns of nucleosynthesis match the observational data of both intracluster medium and M82. Our results suggest that explosions of Population III core-collapse very-massive stars contribute significantly to the chemical evolution of gases in clusters of galaxies. For Galactic halo stars, our [O/Fe] ratios are smaller than the observational abundances. However, our proposed scenario is naturally consistent with this outcome. The final black hole masses are $\sim 230M_{\odot}$ and $\sim 500M_{\odot}$ for the $500M_{\odot}$ and 1000$M_{\odot}$ models, respectively. This result may support the view that Population III very massive stars are responsible for the origin of intermediate mass black holes which were recently reported to be discovered.

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arXiv2006

The properties of the "standard" type Ic supernova 1994I from spectral models

The properties of the type Ic supernova SN 1994I are re-investigated. This object is often referred to as a "standard SN Ic" although it exhibited an extremely fast light curve and unusually blue early-time spectra. In addition, the observations were affected by significant dust extinction. A series of spectral models are computed based on the explosion model CO21 (Iwamoto et al. 1994) using a Monte Carlo transport spectral synthesis code. Overall the density structure and abundances of the explosion model are able to reproduce the photospheric spectra well. Reddening is estimated to be E(B-V)=0.30 mag, a lower value than previously proposed. A model of the nebular spectrum of SN 1994I points toward a slightly larger ejecta mass than that of CO21. The photospheric spectra show a large abundance of iron-group elements at early epochs, indicating that mixing within the ejecta must have been significant. We present an improved light curve model which also requires the presence of 56Ni in the outer layers of the ejecta.

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arXiv2006

Optical Emission from Aspherical Supernovae and the Hypernova SN 1998bw

A fully 3D Monte Carlo scheme is applied to compute optical bolometric light curves for aspherical (jet-like) supernova explosion models. Density and abundance distributions are taken from hydrodynamic explosion models, with the energy varied as a parameter to explore the dependence. Our models show initially a very large degree ($\sim 4$ depending on model parameters) of boosting luminosity toward the polar ($z$) direction relative to the equatorial ($r$) plane, which decreases as the time of peak is approached. After the peak, the factor of the luminosity boost remains almost constant ($\sim 1.2$) until the supernova enters the nebular phase. This behavior is due mostly to the aspherical $^{56}$Ni distribution in the earlier phase and to the disk-like inner low-velocity structure in the later phase. Also the aspherical models yield an earlier peak date than the spherical models, especially if viewed from near the z-axis. Aspherical models with ejecta mass $\sim 10\Msun$ are examined, and one with the kinetic energy of the expansion $\sim 2 \pm 0.5 \times 10^{52}$ ergs and a mass of $^{56}$Ni $\sim 0.4\Msun$ yields a light curve in agreement with the observed light curve of SN 1998bw (the prototypical hyper-energetic supernova). The aspherical model is also at least qualitatively consistent with evolution of photospheric velocities, showing large velocities near the z-axis, and with a late-phase nebular spectrum. The viewing angle is close to the z-axis, strengthening the case for the association of SN 1998bw with the gamma ray burst GRB980425.

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arXiv2005

Nebular Spectra of SN 1998bw Revisited: Detailed Study by One and Two Dimensional Models

Refined one- and two-dimensional models for the nebular spectra of the hyper-energetic Type Ic supernova (SN) 1998bw, associated with the gamma-ray burst GRB980425, from 125 to 376 days after B-band maximum are presented. One dimensional, spherically symmetric spectrum synthesis calculations show that reproducing features in the observed spectra, i.e., the sharply peaked [OI] 6300Ådoublet and MgI] 4570Åemission, and the broad [FeII] blend around 5200Å, requires the existence of a high-density O-rich core expanding at low velocities ($\lsim 8,000$ km s$^{-1}$) and of Fe-rich material moving faster than the O-rich material. Synthetic spectra at late phases from aspherical (bipolar) explosion models are also computed with a two-dimensional spectrum synthesis code. The above features are naturally explained by the aspherical model if the explosion is viewed from a direction close to the axis of symmetry ($\sim 30^{\rm o}$), since the aspherical model yields a high-density O-rich region confined along the equatorial axis. By examining a large parameter space (in energy and mass), our best model gives following physical quantities: the kinetic energy $E_{51} \equiv E_{\rm K}/10^{51}$ ergs $\gsim 8 - 12$ and the main-sequence mass of the progenitor star $M_{\rm ms} \gsim 30 - 35 \Msun$. The temporal spectral evolution of SN 1998bw also indicates mixing among Fe-, O-, and C-rich regions, and highly clumpy structure.

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arXiv2005

Afterglow spectrum of a gamma-ray burst with the highest known redshift z=6.295

Gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) and their afterglows have been proposed as an excellent probe to study the evolution of cosmic star formation, the reionization of the intergalactic medium, and the metal enrichment history of the universe, since the prompt gamma-ray emission of GRBs should be detectable out to distances z>10. Hitherto, the highest measured redshift for a GRB has been z=4.50. Here we report the optical spectrum of the afterglow of GRB 050904 obtained 3.4 days after the burst. The spectrum shows a clear continuum at the long wavelength end of the spectrum with a sharp cutoff at around 9000 A due to Ly alpha absorption at a redshift of 6.3 with a damping wing. Little flux is present in the waveband shortward of the Ly alpha break. A system of absorption lines of heavy elements at redshift z=6.295 +- 0.002 were also detected, yielding a precise measurement of the largest known redshift of a GRB. Analysis of the Si II fine structure lines suggest a dense metal-enriched environment around the GRB progenitor, providing unique information on the properties of the gas in a galaxy when the universe was younger than one billion years.

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arXiv2005

Composition of the Innermost Core Collapse Supernova Ejecta

With presently known input physics and computer simulations in 1D, a self-consistent treatment of core collapse supernovae does not yet lead to successful explosions, while 2D models show some promise. Thus, there are strong indications that the delayed neutrino mechanism works combined with a multi-D convection treatment for unstable layers. On the other hand there is a need to provide correct nucleosynthesis abundances for the progressing field of galactic evolution and observations of low metallicity stars. The innermost ejecta is directly affected by the explosion mechanism, i.e. most strongly the yields of Fe-group nuclei for which an induced piston or thermal bomb treatment will not provide the correct yields because the effect of neutrino interactions is not included. We apply parameterized variations to the neutrino scattering cross sections and alternatively, parameterized variations are applied to the neutrino absorption cross sections on nucleons in the ``gain region''. We find that both measures lead to similar results, causing explosions and a Ye>0.5 in the innermost ejected layers, due to the combined effect of a short weak interaction time scale and a negligible electron degeneracy, unveiling the proton-neutron mass difference. We include all weak interactions (electron and positron capture, beta-decay, neutrino and antineutrino capture on nuclei, and neutrino and antineutrino capture on nucleons) and present first nucleosynthesis results for these innermost ejected layers to discuss how they improve predictions for Fe-group nuclei. The proton-rich environment results in enhanced abundances of 45Sc, 49Ti, and 64Zn as requested by chemical evolution studies and observations of low metallicity stars as well as appreciable production of nuclei in the mass range up to A=80.

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arXiv2005

The Unique Type Ib Supernova 2005bf: A WN Star Explosion Model for Peculiar Light Curves and Spectra

Observations and modeling for the light curve (LC) and spectra of supernova (SN) 2005bf are reported. This SN showed unique features: the LC had two maxima, and declined rapidly after the second maximum, while the spectra showed strengthening He lines whose velocity increased with time. The double-peaked LC can be reproduced by a double-peaked $^{56}$Ni distribution, with most $^{56}$Ni at low velocity and a small amount at high velocity. The rapid post-maximum decline requires a large fraction of the $γ$-rays to escape from the $^{56}$Ni-dominated region, possibly because of low-density ``holes''. The presence of Balmer lines in the spectrum suggests that the He layer of the progenitor was substantially intact. Increasing $γ$-ray deposition in the He layer due to enhanced $γ$-ray escape from the $^{56}$Ni-dominated region may explain both the delayed strengthening and the increasing velocity of the He lines. The SN has massive ejecta ($\sim6-7\Msun$), normal kinetic energy ($\sim 1.0-1.5\times 10^{51}$ ergs), high peak bolometric luminosity ($\sim 5\times 10^{42}$ erg s$^{-1}$) for an epoch as late as $\sim$ 40 days, and a large $^{56}$Ni mass ($\sim0.32\Msun$). These properties, and the presence of a small amount of H suggest that the progenitor was initially massive (M$\sim 25-30 \Msun$) and had lost most of its H envelope, and was possibly a WN star. The double-peaked $^{56}$Ni distribution suggests that the explosion may have formed jets that did not reach the He layer. The properties of SN 2005bf resemble those of the explosion of Cassiopeia A.

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arXiv2005

Early and late time VLT spectroscopy of SN 2001el - progenitor constraints for a type Ia supernova

We present early time high-resolution (VLT/UVES) and late time low-resolution (VLT/FORS) optical spectra of the normal type Ia supernova, SN 2001el. The high-resolution spectra were obtained at -9 and -2 days to allow the detection of narrow hydrogen and/or helium emission lines from the circumstellar medium of the SN. No such lines were detected, and we therefore use photoionisation models to derive upper limits of 9x10^-6 Msun/yr and 5x10^-5 Msun/yr for the mass loss rate from the progenitor system assuming velocities of 10 km/s and 50 km/s, respectively, for a wind extending to outside at least a few x 10^15 cm away from the SN explosion site. These limits exclude a symbiotic star in the upper mass loss rate regime from being the progenitor of SN 2001el. The low resolution spectrum was obtained in the nebular phase of the SN, 400 days after the maximum light, to search for any hydrogen rich gas originating from the SN progenitor system. However, we see no signs of Balmer lines in our spectrum. Therefore, we model the late time spectra to derive an upper limit of ~0.03 Msun for solar abundance material present at velocities lower than 1000 km/s within the SN explosion site. According to simulations of Marietta et al. (2000) this is less than the expected mass lost by a subgiant, red giant or main sequence secondary star at a small binary separation as a result of the SN explosion. Finally, we discuss the origin of high velocity Ca II lines. We see both the CaII IR triplet and the H&K lines in the -9 days spectrum at a very high velocity of up to 34000 km/s. The spectrum also shows a flat-bottomed Si II `6150 A' feature similar to the one previously observed in SN 1990N at -14 days. We compare these spectral features to those observed in SNe 1984A and 1990N at even higher velocities.

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arXiv2005

Enrichment of Very Metal-Poor Stars with Both r-Process and s-Process Elements from 8-10 M_\odot Stars

Recent spectroscopic studies have revealed the presence of numerous carbon-enhanced, metal-poor stars with [Fe/H] < -2.0 that exhibit strong enhancements of s-process elements. These stars are believed to be the result of a binary mass-transfer episode from a former asymptotic giant-branch (AGB) companion that underwent s-process nucleosynthesis. However, several such stars exhibit significantly lower Ba/Eu ratios than solar s-process abundances. This might be explained if there were an additional contribution from the r-process, thereby diluting the Ba/Eu ratio by extra production of Eu. We propose a model in which the double enhancements of r-process and s-process elements originate from a former 8-10 M_\odot companion in a wide binary system, which may undergo s-processing during an AGB phase, followed by r-processing during its subsequent supernova explosion. The mass of Eu (as representative of r-process elements) captured by the secondary through the wind from the supernova is estimated, which is assumed to be proportional to the geometric fraction of the secondary (low-mass, main-sequence) star with respect to the primary (exploding) star. We find that the estimated mass is in good agreement with a constraint on the Eu yield per supernova event obtained from a Galactic chemical evolution study, when the initial orbital separation is taken to be \sim 1 year. If one assumes an orbital period on the order of five years, the efficiency of wind pollution from the supernova must be enhanced by a factor of \sim 10. This may, in fact, be realized if the expansion velocity of the supernova's innermost ejecta, in which the r-process has taken place, is significantly slow, resulting in an enhancement of accretion efficiency by gravitational focusing.

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arXiv2005

The new record holder for the most iron-poor star: HE 1327-2326, a dwarf or subgiant with [Fe/H]=-5.4

We describe the discovery of HE 1327-2326, a dwarf or subgiant with [Fe/H]}=-5.4. The star was found in a sample of bright metal-poor stars selected from the Hamburg/ESO survey. Its abundance pattern is characterized by very high C and N abundances. The detection of Sr which is overabundant by a factor of 10 as compared to iron and the Sun, suggests that neutron-capture elements had already been produced in the very early Galaxy. A puzzling Li depletion is observed in this unevolved star which contradicts the value of the primordial Li derived from WMAP and other Li studies. Possible scenarios for the origin of the abundance pattern (Pop. II or Pop. III) are presented as well as an outlook on future observations.

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