arXiv subjects

Kuntal Misra

Publications and source records attributed to Kuntal Misra.

107 records · Page 6Linked to original sources

arXiv2016

Explosive and radio-selected Transients: Transient Astronomy with SKA and its Precursors

With the high sensitivity and wide-field coverage of the Square Kilometre Array (SKA), large samples of explosive transients are expected to be discovered. Radio wavelengths, especially in commensal survey mode, are particularly well suited for uncovering the complex transient phenomena. This is because observations at radio wavelengths may suffer less obscuration than in other bands (e.g. optical/IR or X-rays) due to dust absorption. At the same time, multiwaveband information often provides critical source classification rapidly than possible with only radio band data. Therefore, multiwaveband observational efforts with wide fields of view will be the key to progress of transients astronomy from the middle 2020s offering unprecedented deep images and high spatial and spectral resolutions. Radio observations of gamma ray bursts (GRBs) with SKA will uncover not only much fainter bursts and verifying claims of sensitivity limited population versus intrinsically dim GRBs, they will also unravel the enigmatic population of orphan afterglows. The supernova rate problem caused by dust extinction in optical bands is expected to be lifted in the SKA era. In addition, the debate of single degenerate scenario versus double degenerate scenario will be put to rest for the progenitors of thermonuclear supernovae, since highly sensitive measurements will lead to very accurate mass loss estimation in these supernovae. One also expects to detect gravitationally lensed supernovae in far away Universe in the SKA bands. Radio counterparts of the gravitational waves are likely to become a reality once SKA comes online. In addition, SKA is likely to discover various new kinds of transients.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2016

Core-Collapse supernovae and its progenitors

Massive stars unable to sustain gravitational collapse, at the end of nuclear burning stage, turns out into core-collapse supernovae, leaving behind compact objects like neutron stars or black holes. The progenitor properties like mass and metallicity primarily governs the explosion parameters and type of compact remnant. In this contribution we summarize observational study of three Core Collapse type IIP SNe 2012aw, 2013ab and 2013ej, which are rigorously observed from ARIES and other Indian observatories and discuss their progenitor and explosion properties.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2015

Photometric and polarimetric observations of fast declining Type II supernovae 2013hj and 2014G

We present broadband photometric and polarimetric observations of two type II supernovae (SNe) 2013hj and 2014G. SN 2014G is a spectroscopically classified type IIL event, which we also confirm photometrically as its light curve show characteristic features (plateau slope of 2.55 mag (100 d)$ ^{-1} $ in V-band and duration of $ \sim77 $d) of a generic IIL SN. On the other hand SN 2013hj also shows high plateau decline rate of $ 1.5 $ mag (100 d)$ ^{-1} $ in V-band, similar to SNe IIL, but marginally lower than SNe IIL template light curves. Our high cadence photometric observations of SNe 2013hj and 2014G enables us to cover all characteristic phases up to radioactive tail of optical light curves. Broadband polarimetric observations reveal some polarization in SN 2013hj with subtle enhancement as SN evolves towards plateau end, however the polarization angle remains constant throughout the evolution. This characteristic is consistent with the idea that the evolving SN with recombining hydrogen envelope is slowly revealing more asymmetric central region of explosion. Modelling of bolometric light curve yields a progenitor mass of $ \sim11 $M$_{\odot}$ with a radius of $ \sim700 $R$_{\odot}$ for SN 2013hj, while for SN 2014G model estimated progenitor mass is $ \sim9 $M$_{\odot}$ with a radius of $ \sim630 $R$_{\odot}$, both having a typical energy budget of $ \sim2\times10^{51} $ erg.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2015

SN 2013ej - A type IIL supernova with weak signs of interaction

We present optical photometric and spectroscopic observations of supernova 2013ej. It is one of the brightest type II supernovae exploded in a nearby ($\sim 10$ Mpc) galaxy NGC 628. The light curve characteristics are similar to type II SNe, but with a relatively shorter ($ \sim85 $ day) and steeper ($ \sim1.7 $ mag (100 d)$^{-1} $ in V) plateau phase. The SN shows a large drop of 2.4 mag in V band brightness during plateau to nebular transition. The absolute ultraviolet (UV) light curves are identical to SN 2012aw, showing a similar UV plateau trend extending up to 85 days. The radioactive $^{56}$Ni mass estimated from the tail luminosity is $ 0.02 $M$_{\odot}$ which is significantly lower than typical type IIP SNe. The characteristics of spectral features and evolution of line velocities indicate that SN 2013ej is a type II event. However, light curve characteristics and some spectroscopic features provide strong support in classifying it as a type IIL event. A detailed SYNOW modelling of spectra indicates the presence of some high velocity components in H$α$ and H$β$ profiles, implying possible ejecta-CSM interaction. The nebular phase spectrum shows an unusual notch in the H$α$ emission which may indicate bipolar distribution of $^{56}$Ni. Modelling of the bolometric light curve yields a progenitor mass of $ \sim14 $M$_{\odot}$ and a radius of $ \sim450 $R$_{\odot}$, with a total explosion energy of $ \sim2.3\times10^{51} $ erg.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2015

SN 2013ab : A normal type IIP supernova in NGC 5669

We present densely-sampled ultraviolet/optical photometric and low-resolution optical spectroscopic observations of the type IIP supernova 2013ab in the nearby ($\sim$24 Mpc) galaxy NGC 5669, from 2 to 190d after explosion. Continuous photometric observations, with the cadence of typically a day to one week, were acquired with the 1-2m class telescopes in the LCOGT network, ARIES telescopes in India and various other telescopes around the globe. The light curve and spectra suggest that the SN is a normal type IIP event with a plateau duration of $ \sim80 $ days with mid plateau absolute visual magnitude of -16.7, although with a steeper decline during the plateau (0.92 mag 100 d$ ^{-1} $ in $ V $ band) relative to other archetypal SNe of similar brightness. The velocity profile of SN 2013ab shows striking resemblance with those of SNe 1999em and 2012aw. Following the Rabinak & Waxman (2011) prescription, the initial temperature evolution of the SN emission allows us to estimate the progenitor radius to be $ \sim $ 800 R$_{\odot}$, indicating that the SN originated from a red supergiant star. The distance to the SN host galaxy is estimated to be 24.3 Mpc from expanding photosphere method (EPM). From our observations, we estimate that 0.064 M$_{\odot}$ of $^{56}$Ni was synthesized in the explosion. General relativistic, radiation hydrodynamical modeling of the SN infers an explosion energy of $ 0.35\times10^{51} $ erg, a progenitor mass (at the time of explosion) of $ \sim9 $ M$_{\odot}$ and an initial radius of $ \sim600 $ R$_{\odot}$.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2013

SN 2007uy - metamorphosis of an aspheric Type Ib explosion

The supernovae of Type Ibc are rare and the detailed characteristics of these explosions have been studied only for a few events. Unlike Type II SNe, the progenitors of Type Ibc have never been detected in pre-explosion images. So, to understand the nature of their progenitors and the characteristics of the explosions, investigation of proximate events are necessary. Here we present the results of multi-wavelength observations of Type Ib SN 2007uy in the nearby ($\sim$ 29.5 Mpc) galaxy NGC 2770. Analysis of the photometric observations revealed this explosion as an energetic event with peak absolute R band magnitude $-18.5\pm0.16$, which is about one mag brighter than the mean value ($-17.6\pm0.6$) derived for well observed Type Ibc events. The SN is highly extinguished, E(B-V) = 0.63$\pm$0.15 mag, mainly due to foreground material present in the host galaxy. From optical light curve modeling we determine that about 0.3 M$_{\odot}$ radioactive $^{56}$Ni is produced and roughly 4.4 M$_{\odot}$ material is ejected during this explosion with liberated energy $\sim 15\times10^{51}$ erg, indicating the event to be an energetic one. Through optical spectroscopy, we have noticed a clear aspheric evolution of several line forming regions, but no dependency of asymmetry is seen on the distribution of $^{56}$Ni inside the ejecta. The SN shock interaction with the circumburst material is clearly noticeable in radio follow-up, presenting a Synchrotron Self Absorption (SSA) dominated light curve with a contribution of Free Free Absorption (FFA) during the early phases. Assuming a WR star, with wind velocity $\ga 10^3 {\rm km s}^{-1}$, as a progenitor, we derive a lower limit to the mass loss rate inferred from the radio data as $\dot{M} \ga 2.4\times10^{-5}$ M$_{\odot}$, yr$^{-1}$, which is consistent with the results obtained for other Type Ibc SNe bright at radio frequencies.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2013

Supernova 2012aw - a high-energy clone of archetypal type IIP SN 1999em

We present densely-sampled UBVRI/griz photometric and low-resolution (6-10A) optical spectroscopic observations from 4 to 270 days after explosion of a newly discovered type II SN 2012aw in a nearby (~9.9 Mpc) galaxy M95. The light-curve characteristics of apparent magnitudes, colors, bolometric luminosity and the presence and evolution of prominent spectral features are found to have striking similarity with the archetypal IIP SNe 1999em, 1999gi and 2004et. The early time observations of SN 2012aw clearly detect minima in the light-curve of V, R and I bands near 37 days after explosion and this we suggest to be an observational evidence for emergence of recombination phase. The mid-plateau MV magnitude (-16.67 $\pm$ 0.04) lies in between the bright (~ -18) and subluminous (~ -15) IIP SNe. The mass of nickel is 0.06$\pm$0.01 M_sun. The SYNOW modelling of spectra indicate that the value and evolution of photospheric velocity is similar to SN 2004et, but about ~600 km/s higher than that of SNe 1999em and 1999gi at comparable epochs. This trend is more apparent in the line velocities of H alpha and H beta. A comparison of ejecta velocity properties with that of existing radiation-hydrodynamical simulations indicate that the energy of explosion lies in the range 1-2x10^51 ergs; a further comparison of nebular phase [Oi] doublet luminosity with SNe 2004et and 1987A indicate that the mass of progenitor star is about 14-15 M_sun. The presence of high-velocity absorption features in the mid-to-late plateau and possibly in early phase spectra show signs of interaction between ejecta and the circumstellar matter; being consistent with its early-time detection at X-ray and radio wavebands.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2011

Sn 2008in - bridging the gap between normal and faint supernovae of type IIP

We present optical photometric and low-resolution spectroscopic observations of the Type II plateau supernova (SN) 2008in, which occurred in the outskirts of the nearly face-on spiral galaxy M 61. Photometric data in the X-rays, ultraviolet and near-infrared bands have been used to characterize this event. The SN field was imaged with the ROTSE-IIIb optical telescope about seven days before the explosion. This allowed us to constrain the epoch of the shock breakout to JD = 2454825.6. The duration of the plateau phase, as derived from the photometric monitoring, was ~ 98 days. The spectra of SN 2008in show a striking resemblance to those of the archetypal low-luminosity IIP SNe 1997D and 1999br. A comparison of ejecta kinematics of SN 2008in with the hydrodynamical simulations of Type IIP SNe by Dessart et al. (2010) indicates that it is a less energetic event (~ 5$\times10^{50}$ erg). However, the light curve indicates that the production of radioactive $^{56}$Ni is significantly higher than that in the low-luminosity SNe. Adopting an interstellar absorption along the SN direction of $A_V$ ~ 0.3 mag and a distance of 13.2 Mpc, we estimated a synthesized Ni mass of ~ 0.015 $M_{\odot}$. Employing semi-analytical formulae (Litvinova & Nadezhin 1985), we derived a pre-SN radius of ~ 126$R_{\odot}$, an explosion energy of ~ 5.4$\times10^{50}$ erg and a total ejected mass of ~ 16.7$M_{\odot}$. The latter indicates that the zero age main-sequence mass of the progenitor did not exceed 20$M_{\odot}$. Considering the above properties of SN 2008in, and its occurrence in a region of sub-solar metallicity ([O/H] ~ 8.44 dex), it is unlikely that fall-back of the ejecta onto a newly formed black hole occurred in SN 2008in. We therefore favor a low-energy explosion scenario of a relatively compact, moderate-mass progenitor star that generates a neutron star.

astro-ph.HE↗

arXiv2011

SN 2008gz - most likely a normal type IIP event

We present BV RI photometric and low-resolution spectroscopic investigation of a type II core-collapse supernova (SN) 2008gz, which occurred in a star forming arm and within a half-light radius (solar metallicity region) of a nearby spiral galaxy NGC 3672. The SN event was detected late and a detailed investigation of its light curves and spectra spanning 200 days suggest that it is an event of type IIP similar to archetypal SNe 2004et and 1999em. However, in contrast to other events of its class, the SN 2008gz exhibits rarely observed V magnitude drop of 1.5 over the period of a month during plateau to nebular phase. Using 0.21 mag of Av as a lower limit and a distance of 25.5 Mpc, we estimate synthesized $^{56}$Ni mass of 0.05 \pm 0.01 M* and a mid-plateau Mv of -16.6 \pm 0.2 mag. The photospheric velocity is observed to be higher than that was observed for SN 2004et at similar epochs, indicating explosion energy was comparable to or higher than SN 2004et. Similar trend was also seen for the expansion velocity of H-envelopes. By comparing its properties with other well studied events as well as by using a recent simulation of pre-SN models of Dessart, Livne & Waldman (2010), we infer an explosion energy range of 2 - 3 x 10$^{51}$ erg and this coupled with the observed width of the forbidden [O I] 6300-6364 Å line at 275 days after the explosion gives an upper limit for the main-sequence (non-rotating, solar metallicity) progenitor mass of 17 M*. Our narrow-band Hα observation, taken nearly 560 days after the explosion and the presence of an emission kink at zero velocity in the Doppler corrected spectra of SN indicate that the event took place in a low luminosity star forming H II region.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2008

Optical Observations of GRB 050401 Afterglow : A case for Double Jet Model

The afterglow of GRB 050401 presents several novel and interesting features : [1] An initially faster decay in optical band than in X-rays. [2] A break in the X-ray light curve after $\sim$ 0.06 day with an unusual slope after the break. [3] The X-ray afterglow does not show any spectral evolution across the break while the R band light curve does not show any break. We have modeled the observed multi-band evolution of the afterglow of GRB 050401 as originating in a two component jet, interpreting the break in X-ray light curve as due to lateral expansion of a narrow collimated outflow which dominates the X-ray emission. The optical emission is attributed to a wider jet component. Our model reproduces all the observed features of multi-band afterglow of GRB 050401. We present optical observations of GRB 050401 using the 104-cm Sampurnanand Telescope at ARIES, Nainital. Results of the analysis of multi-band data are presented and compared with GRB 030329, the first reported case of double jet.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2008

The Rapidly Flaring Afterglow of the Very Bright and Energetic GRB 070125

We report on multi-wavelength observations, ranging from the X-ray to radio wave bands, of the IPN-localized gamma-ray burst GRB 070125. Spectroscopic observations reveal the presence of absorption lines due to O I, Si II, and C IV, implying a likely redshift of z = 1.547. The well-sampled light curves, in particular from 0.5 to 4 days after the burst, suggest a jet break at 3.7 days, corresponding to a jet opening angle of ~7.0 degrees, and implying an intrinsic GRB energy in the 1 - 10,000 keV band of around E = (6.3 - 6.9)x 10^(51) erg (based on the fluences measured by the gamma-ray detectors of the IPN network). GRB 070125 is among the brightest afterglows observed to date. The spectral energy distribution implies a host extinction of Av < 0.9 mag. Two rebrightening episodes are observed, one with excellent time coverage, showing an increase in flux of 56% in ~8000 seconds. The evolution of the afterglow light curve is achromatic at all times. Late-time observations of the afterglow do not show evidence for emission from an underlying host galaxy or supernova. Any host galaxy would be subluminous, consistent with current GRB host-galaxy samples. Evidence for strong Mg II absorption features is not found, which is perhaps surprising in view of the relatively high redshift of this burst and the high likelihood for such features along GRB-selected lines of sight.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2008

Photometric and Spectroscopic study of a highly reddened type Ia supernova SN 2003hx in NGC 2076

We present $UBVRI$ CCD photometry and optical spectra of the type Ia supernova SN 2003hx which appeared in the galaxy NGC 2076, obtained till $\sim$ 146 days after the epoch of $B$ band maximum. The supernova reached at maximum brightness in $B$ band on JD 245 2893 $\pm$ 1.0 with an apparent magnitude of 14.92 $\pm$ 0.01 mag which was estimated by making template fits to the light curves. SN 2003hx is an example of a highly reddened supernova with $E(B-V)$ = 0.56 $\pm$ 0.23. We estimate $R_v$ = 1.97 $\pm$ 0.54 which indicates the small size of dust particles as compared to their galactic counterparts. The luminosity decline rate is $Δm_{15}(B)$ = 1.17 $\pm$ 0.12 mag and the absolute $B$ band magnitude obtained from the luminosity versus decline rate relation (Phillips et al. 1999) is $M^B_{max}$ = -19.20 $\pm$ 0.18 mag. The peak bolometric luminosity indicates that $\sim$ 0.66 $M_\odot$ mass of $^{56}$ Ni was ejected by the supernova. The spectral evolution indicates the supernova to be a normal type Ia event.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2007

Observations of the Optical Afterglow of GRB 050319 : Wind to ISM transition in view

The collapse of a massive star is believed to be the most probable progenitor of a long GRB. Such a star is expected to modify its environment by stellar wind. The effect of such a circum-stellar wind medium is expected to be seen in the evolution of a GRB afterglow, but has so far not been conclusively found. We claim that a signature of wind to constant density medium transition of circum-burst medium is visible in the afterglow of GRB 050319. Along with the optical observations of the afterglow of GRB 050319 we present a model for the multiband afterglow of GRB 050319. We show that the break seen in optical light curve at $\sim$ 0.02 day could be explained as being due to wind to constant density medium transition of circum-burst medium, in which case, to our knowledge, this could be the first ever detection of such a transition at any given frequency band. Detection of such a transition could also serve as a confirmation of massive star collapse scenario for GRB progenitors, independent of supernova signatures.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2007

Type IIP Supernova SN 2004et: A Multi-Wavelength Study in X-Ray, Optical and Radio

We present X-ray, broad band optical and low frequency radio observations of the bright type IIP supernova SN 2004et. The \cxo observed the supernova at three epochs, and the optical coverage spans a period of $\sim$ 470 days since explosion. The X-ray emission softens with time, and we characterise the X-ray luminosity evolution as $\Lx \propto t^{-0.4}$. We use the observed X-ray luminosity to estimate a mass-loss rate for the progenitor star of $\sim \ee{2}{-6} M_\odot \mathrm{yr}^{-1}$. The optical light curve shows a pronounced plateau lasting for about 110 days. Temporal evolution of photospheric radius and color temperature during the plateau phase is determined by making black body fits. We estimate the ejected mass of $^{56}$Ni to be 0.06 $\pm$ 0.03 M$_\odot$. Using the expressions of Litvinova & Nadëzhin (1985) we estimate an explosion energy of (0.98 $\pm$ 0.25) $\times 10^{51}$ erg. We also present a single epoch radio observation of SN 2004et. We compare this with the predictions of the model proposed by Chevalier et al. (2006). These multi-wavelength studies suggest a main sequence progenitor mass of $\sim$ 20 M$_\odot$ for SN 2004et.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2007

Optical observations of GRB 060124 afterglow: A case for an injection break

We present broad band optical afterglow observations of a long duration GRB 060124 using the 1.04-m Sampurnanand Telescope at ARIES, Nainital and the 2.01-m HCT at IAO, Hanle, including the earliest ground based observations in R band for this GRB. We determine the decay slope of the light curve at different bands and examine the reality of a proposed jet break. We use data from our observations as well as others reported in the literature to construct light curves in different bands and make power law fits to them. The spectral slope of the afterglow emission in the optical band is estimated. Our first R-band observations were taken $\sim 0.038$~d after burst. We find that all available optical data after this epoch are well fit by a single power law, with a temporal flux decay index $α\sim 0.94$. We do not find any evidence of a jet break within our data, which extend till $\sim 2$~d after the burst. The X-ray light curve, however, shows a distinct break around 0.6 day. We attribute this break to a steepening of the electron energy spectrum at high energies. We conclude that the above measurements are consistent with the picture of a standard fireball evolution with no jet break within $t\sim 2$~days after the burst. This sets a lower limit of $3\times 10^{50}$~erg to the total energy released in the explosion.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2005

Optical Observations and Multiband Modelling of the Afterglow of GRB 041006: Evidence of A Hard Electron Energy Spectrum

We present the CCD Cousins R band photometric observations of the afterglow of GRB 041006. The multiband afterglow evolution is modelled using an underlying `hard' electron energy spectrum with a $p_1 \sim 1.3$. The burst appears to be of very low energy ($E \sim 10^{48}$ ergs) confined to a narrow cone of opening angle $θ\sim 2.3^{\circ}$. The associated supernova is compared with SN1998bw and is found to be brighter.

astro-ph↗

arXiv2005

Multiband Optical Photometry and Bolometric Light Curve of the Type Ia Supernova 2004S

We present $\rm BVR_{c}I_{c}$ broad band CCD photometry of the Type Ia supernova SN 2004S, which appeared in the galaxy MCG-05-16-021, obtained during 2004 February 12 to March 22. Multiband and bolometric light curves constructed using our data as well as other available data are presented. The time of B band maximum and the peak magnitudes in different bands are obtained using the fits of light curve and colour templates. We clearly see a strong shoulder in $\rm R_{c}$ band and a second maximum in $\rm I_{c}$ band. SN 2004S closely resembles SN 1992al after maximum. From the peak bolometric luminosity we estimate the ejected mass of $\rm ^{\rm 56}Ni$ to be 0.41 $\rm M_{\odot}$.

astro-ph↗