arXiv subjects

M. Kopsacheili

Publications and source records attributed to M. Kopsacheili.

14 recordsLinked to original sources

arXiv2026

The type Ia supernova 2023vjh: a peculiar 1991bg-like SN with unusually faint light curves

We present observations of the 1991bg-like type Ia supernova (SN) 2023vjh, associated with the elliptical galaxy MCG+04-10-013. Its light-curve shape parameters ($\Delta m_{15}(B)=1.89 \pm 0.01$ mag and $s_{BV} = 0.45 \pm 0.03$), together with its spectroscopic evolution, place it firmly within the class of fast-declining, subluminous SNe Ia. The near-peak spectra show prominent features of Si II, Ca II, and Ti II, consistent with a cool photosphere, and place SN 2023vjh within the "cool" and extreme cool regions on the classification diagrams. In addition, the three late-phase near-infrared (NIR) spectra display the Ca II NIR triplet, Fe II, and Co II absorptions, but no obvious $H$-band break. Although SN 2023vjh falls in the same regions of the classification diagrams as other well-studied 91bg-like events, it shows some deviation within this class. In particular, it is systematically fainter than predicted by explosion models and fainter than other well-studied 91bg-like SNe. Light-curve fitting and color-based analyses indicate a relatively large reddening ($E(B-V)_{host}\sim$ 0.2 - 0.35 mag), which is unusual for 91bg-like SNe. Yet, the lack of detectable Na I D absorption in its spectra, along with its large projected distance from the center of its passive host galaxy (6.8 kpc), suggests that interstellar extinction along the line of sight is minimal. SN 2023vjh appears to be fainter than typical 91bg-like SNe, and it could be affected by circumstellar material (CSM). Comparisons with explosion models and alternative extinction prescriptions show that including CSM-like extinction improves agreement in the blue bands, but residual discrepancies in the $i$-band may reflect limitations in the model.

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arXiv2025

A systematic meta-analysis of physical parameters of Galactic supernova remnants

Supernova remnants (SNRs) are the aftermath of massive stellar explosions or of a white dwarf in a binary system, representing critical phases in the life cycle of stars and playing an important role in galactic evolution. Physical properties of SNRs such as their shock velocity, density and age are important elements for constraining models for their evolution and understanding the physical processes responsible for their morphological appearance and emission processes. Our study provides, for the first time, a comprehensive statistical analysis of the physical parameters in 64 Galactic SNRs both as a population as well as regions within individual objects. These 64 objects represent the subset of the 310 known Galactic SNRs for which there are published optical data, from which we compiled their physical parameters through an exhaustive literature survey. Through a systematic statistical analysis accounting for uncertainties and/or upper and lower limits in these parameters we obtain distributions of the electron density and shock velocity in the studied SNRs and regions within them. This information is combined with constraints on their age and type. Analysis of electron density and shock velocity distributions for the entire sample of SNRs shows that they are consistent with a log-normal distribution and a skewed log-normal distribution, respectively. Within individual remnants, our study reveals that electron density and shock velocity show larger scatter in younger objects, reflecting the varying conditions of the ambient medium immediately surrounding the explosion epicenter and their impact on SNR evolution. Comparison of the dependence of the shock velocity and density on the supernova age with expectations from theoretical models shows good agreement.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2025

Observational diversity of bright long-lived Type II supernovae

In various types of supernovae (SNe), strong interaction between the SN ejecta and circumstellar material (CSM) has been reported. This raises questions on their progenitors and mass-loss processes shortly before the explosion. Recently, the bright long-lived Type~II SN 2021irp was proposed to be a standard Type II SN interacting with disk-like CSM. The observational properties suggest that the progenitor was a massive star in a binary system and underwent a mass-ejection process due to the binary interaction just before the explosion. Here, we study the diversity of the observational properties of bright long-lived Type II (21irp-like) SNe. We analyse the diversity of their CSM properties, in order to understand their progenitors and mass-loss mechanisms and their relations with the other types of interacting SNe. We performed photometry, spectroscopy, and/or polarimetry for four 21irp-like SNe. Based on these observations as well as published data of SN~2021irp itself and well-observed bright and long-lived type II SNe including SNe~2010jl, 2015da and 2017hcc, we discuss their CSM characteristics. This sample of SNe shows luminous and long-lived photometric evolution, with some variations in the photometric evolution (from $\sim-17$ to $\sim-20$ absolute mag in the $r$/$o$ band even at $\sim 200$ days after the explosion). They show photospheric spectra characterized mainly by Balmer lines for several hundreds of days, with some variations in the shapes of the lines. They show high polarization with slight variations in the polarization degrees with rapid declines with time (from $\sim3-6$ \% before the peak to $\sim1$ \% at $\sim200$ days after the peak). The observational properties are consistent with the disk-CSM-interaction scenario, i.e., typical Type~II SNe interacting with disk-like CSM.

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arXiv2024

The fast rise of the unusual Type IIL/IIb SN 2018ivc

We present an analysis of the photometric and spectroscopic dataset of the Type II supernova (SN) 2018ivc in the nearby (10 Mpc) galaxy Messier 77. Thanks to the high cadence of the CHASE survey, we observed the SN rising very rapidly by nearly three magnitudes in five hours (or 18 mag d$^{-1}$). The $r$-band light curve presents four distinct phases: the maximum light is reached in just one day, then a first, rapid linear decline precedes a short-duration plateau. Finally, a long, slower linear decline lasted for one year. Following a radio rebrightening, we detected SN 2018ivc four years after the explosion. The early spectra show a blue, nearly featureless continuum, but the spectra evolve rapidly: after about 10 days a prominent H$\alpha$ line starts to emerge, with a peculiar profile, but the spectra are heavily contaminated by emission lines from the host galaxy. He I lines, namely $\lambda\lambda$5876,7065, are also strong. On top of the former, a strong absorption from the Na I doublet is visible, indicative of a non-negligible internal reddening. From its equivalent width, we derive a lower limit on the host reddening of $A_V\simeq1.5$ mag, while from the Balmer decrement and a match of the $B-V$ colour curve of SN 2018ivc to that of the comparison objects, a host reddening of $A_V\simeq3.0$ mag is obtained. The spectra are similar to those of SNe II, but with strong He lines. Given the peculiar light curve and spectral features, we suggest SN 2018ivc could be a transitional object between the Type IIL and Type IIb SNe classes. In addition, we found signs of interaction with circumstellar medium in the light curve, making SN 2018ivc also an interacting event. Finally, we modelled the early multi-band light curves and photospheric velocity of SN 2018ivc to estimate the explosion and CSM physical parameters.

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arXiv2024

Eruptive mass loss less than a year before the explosion of superluminous supernovae: I. The cases of SN 2020xga and SN 2022xgc

We present photometric and spectroscopic observations of SN 2020xga and SN 2022xgc, two hydrogen-poor superluminous supernovae (SLSNe-I) at $z = 0.4296$ and $z = 0.3103$, respectively, which show an additional set of broad Mg II absorption lines, blueshifted by a few thousands kilometer second$^{-1}$ with respect to the host galaxy absorption system. Previous work interpreted this as due to resonance line scattering of the SLSN continuum by rapidly expanding circumstellar material (CSM) expelled shortly before the explosion. The peak rest-frame $g$-band magnitude of SN 2020xga is $-22.30 \pm 0.04$ mag and of SN 2022xgc is $-21.97 \pm 0.05$ mag, placing them among the brightest SLSNe-I. We used high-quality spectra from ultraviolet to near-infrared wavelengths to model the Mg II line profiles and infer the properties of the CSM shells. We find that the CSM shell of SN 2020xga resides at $\sim 1.3 \times 10^{16}~\rm cm$, moving with a maximum velocity of $4275~\rm km~s^{-1}$, and the shell of SN 2022xgc is located at $\sim 0.8 \times 10^{16}~\rm cm$, reaching up to $4400~\rm km~s^{-1}$. These shells were expelled $\sim 11$ and $\sim 5$ months before the explosions of SN 2020xga and SN 2022xgc, respectively, possibly as a result of luminous-blue-variable-like eruptions or pulsational pair instability (PPI) mass loss. We also analyzed optical photometric data and modeled the light curves, considering powering from the magnetar spin-down mechanism. The results support very energetic magnetars, approaching the mass-shedding limit, powering these SNe with ejecta masses of $\sim 7-9~\rm M_\odot$. The ejecta masses inferred from the magnetar modeling are not consistent with the PPI scenario pointing toward stars $> 50~\rm M_\odot$ He-core; hence, alternative scenarios such as fallback accretion and CSM interaction are discussed.

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arXiv2023

Bidimensional Exploration of the warm-Temperature Ionised gaS (BETIS) I. Showcase sample and first results

We present the Bidimensional Exploration of the warm-Temperature Ionised gaS (BETIS) project, designed for the spatial and spectral study of the diffuse ionised gas (DIG) in a selection of nearby spiral galaxies observed with the MUSE integral-field spectrograph. Our primary objective is to investigate the various ionisation mechanisms at play within the DIG. We analysed the distribution of high- and low-ionisation species in the optical spectra of the sample on a spatially resolved basis. We introduced a new methodology for spectroscopically defining the DIG, optimised for galaxies of different resolutions. We also examined the suitability of using Ha equivalent width (EWha) as a proxy for defining the DIG and its associated ionisation regime. The average radial distribution of the main line ratios are enhanced in the DIG. It follows similar trends between the DIG regime and the HII regions, as well as the Ha surface brightness, indicating a correlation between the ionisation of these species in both the DIG and the HII regions. The DIG loci in diagnostic diagrams are found within the line ratios that correspond to photoionisation due to the star formation. There is a noticeable offset correspondent to fast shocks. However, an individual diagnosis performed for each galaxy reveals that all the DIG in these galaxies can be attributed to photoionisation from star formation. The offset is primarily due to the contribution of Seyfert galaxies in our sample, which is closely aligned with models of ionisation from fast shocks and galactic outflows, thus mimicking the DIG emission. Our results indicate that galaxies exhibiting active galactic nucleus activity should be considered separately when conducting a general analysis of the DIG ionisation mechanisms, since this emission is indistinguishable from high-excitation DIG.

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arXiv2023

AT2022aedm and a new class of luminous, fast-cooling transients in elliptical galaxies

We present the discovery and extensive follow-up of a remarkable fast-evolving optical transient, AT2022aedm, detected by the Asteroid Terrestrial impact Last Alert Survey (ATLAS). AT2022aedm exhibited a rise time of $9\pm1$ days in the ATLAS $o$-band, reaching a luminous peak with $M_g\approx-22$ mag. It faded by 2 magnitudes in $g$-band during the next 15 days. These timescales are consistent with other rapidly evolving transients, though the luminosity is extreme. Most surprisingly, the host galaxy is a massive elliptical with negligible current star formation. X-ray and radio observations rule out a relativistic AT2018cow-like explosion. A spectrum in the first few days after explosion showed short-lived He II emission resembling young core-collapse supernovae, but obvious broad supernova features never developed; later spectra showed only a fast-cooling continuum and narrow, blue-shifted absorption lines, possibly arising in a wind with $v\approx2700$ km s$^{-1}$. We identify two further transients in the literature (Dougie in particular, as well as AT2020bot) that share similarities in their luminosities, timescales, colour evolution and largely featureless spectra, and propose that these may constitute a new class of transients: luminous fast-coolers (LFCs). All three events occurred in passive galaxies at offsets of $\sim4-10$ kpc from the nucleus, posing a challenge for progenitor models involving massive stars or massive black holes. The light curves and spectra appear to be consistent with shock breakout emission, though usually this mechanism is associated with core-collapse supernovae. The encounter of a star with a stellar mass black hole may provide a promising alternative explanation.

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arXiv2022

First optical identification of the SRG/eROSITA-detected supernova remnant G 116.6-26.1 I. Preliminary results

The supernova remnant (SNR) candidate G 116.6-26.1 is one of the few high Galactic latitude ($|b| > 15^o$) remnants detected so far in several wavebands. It was discovered recently in the SRG/eROSITA all-sky X-ray survey and displays also a low-frequency weak radio signature. In this study, we report the first optical detection of G 116.6-26.1 through deep, wide-field and higher resolution narrowband imaging in $\rm Hα$, [S II] and [O III] light. The object exhibits two major and distinct filamentary emission structures in a partial shell-like formation. The optical filaments are found in excellent positional match with available X-ray, radio and UV maps, can be traced over a relatively long angular distance (38' and 70') and appear unaffected by any strong interactions with the ambient interstellar medium. We also present a flux-calibrated, optical emission spectrum from a single location, with Balmer and several forbidden lines detected, indicative of emission from shock excitation in a typical evolved SNR. Confirmation of the most likely SNR nature of G 116.6-26.1 is provided from the observed value of the line ratio $\rm [S\, II] / Hα= 0.56 \pm 0.06$, which exceeds the widely accepted threshold 0.4, and is further strengthened by the positive outcome of several diagnostic tests for shock emission. Our results indicate an approximate shock velocity range $70-100\, km\, s^{-1}$ at the spectroscopically examined filament, which, when combined with the low emissivity in $\rm Hα$ and other emission lines, suggest that G 116.6-26.1 is a SNR at a mature evolutionary stage.

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arXiv2022

Optical emission-line Luminosity Function models for populations of Supernova Remnants

We present a basic model for the calculation of the luminosity distribution of supernova remnant populations. We construct theoretical Ha and joint [S II] - Ha luminosity functions for supernova remnants by combining prescriptions from a basic evolution model that provides the shock velocity and radius for SNRs of different age and pre-shock density, with shock excitation models that give the gas emissivity for shocks of different physical parameters. We assume a flat age distribution, and we explore the effect of different pre-shock density distributions or different magnetic parameters. We find very good agreement between the shape of the model Ha and the joint [S II] - Ha luminosity functions and those measured from SNR surveys in nearby galaxies.

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arXiv2022

Deep optical study of the mixed-morphology supernova remnant G 132.7+1.3 (HB3)

We present optical ccd images of the large supernova remnant (SNR) G132.7$+$1.3 (HB3) covering its full extent for the first time, in the emission lines of H$α+$[N II], [S II] and [O III], where new and known filamentary and diffuse structures are detected. These observations are supplemented by new low-resolution long-slit spectra and higher-resolution images in the same emission lines. Both the flux-calibrated images and spectra confirm that the optical emission originates from shock-heated gas since the [S II]/H$α$ $>$ 0.4. Our findings are also consistent with the recently developed emission line ratio diagnostics for distinguishing SNRs from H II regions. A multi-wavelength comparison among our optical data and relevant observations in radio, X-rays, $γ$-rays and CO bands, provided additional evidence on the interaction of HB3 with the surrounding clouds and clarified the borders of the SNR and the adjacent cloud. We discuss the supernova (SN) properties and evolution that led to the current observables of HB3 and we show that the remnant has most likely passed at the pressure driven snowplow phase. The estimated SN energy was found to be $\left(3.7 \pm 1.5\right) \times 10^{51}$ erg and the current SNR age $\left(5.1 \pm 2.1\right) \times 10^4$ yrs. We present an alternative scenario according to which the SNR evolved in the wind bubble cavity excavated by the progenitor star and currently is interacting with its density walls. We show that the overall mixed morphology properties of HB3 can be explained if the SN resulted by a Wolf-Rayet progenitor star with mass $\sim 34 \rm~M_{\rm\odot}$.

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arXiv2021

The Supernova Remnant Populations of the galaxies NGC 45, NGC 55, NGC 1313, NGC 7793: Luminosity and Excitation Functions

We present a systematic study of the Supernova Remnant (SNR) populations in the nearby galaxies NGC 45, NGC 55, NGC 1313, and NGC 7793 based on deep Ha and [S II] imaging. We find 42 candidate and 54 possible candidate SNRs based on the [S II] / Ha > 0.4 criterion, 84 of which are new identifications. We derive the Ha and the joint [S II]-Ha luminosity functions after accounting for incompleteness effects. We find that the Ha luminosity function of the overall sample is described with a skewed Gaussian with a mean equal to log(LHa / 10^(36) erg s^(-1)) = 0.07 and m(log(LHa / 10^(36) erg s^(-1)))) = 0.58. The joint [S II]-Ha function is parameterized by a skewed Gaussian along the log([S II] / 10^(36) erg s^(-1)) = 0.88 x log(LHa / 10^(36) erg s^(-1)) - 0.06 line and a truncated Gaussian with m(log(L[S II] / 10^(36))) = 0.024 and s(log(L[S II] / 10^(36))) = 0.14, on its vertical direction. We also define the excitation function as the number density of SNRs as a function of their [S II]/Ha ratios. This function is represented by a truncated Gaussian with a mean at -0.014. We find a sub-linear [S II]-Ha relation indicating lower excitation for the more luminous objects.

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arXiv2019

A diagnostic tool for the identification of Supernova Remnants

We present new diagnostic tools for distinguishing supernova remnants (SNRs) from HII regions. Up to now, sources with flux ratio [S II]/H$\rmα$ higher than 0.4 have been considered as SNRs. Here, we present the combinations of three or two line ratios as more effective tools for the separation of these two kinds of nebulae, depicting them as 3D surfaces or 2D lines. The diagnostics are based on photoionization and shock excitation models (MAPPINGS III) analysed with Support Vector Machine (SVM) models for classification. The line-ratio combination that gives the most efficient diagnostic is: [O I]/H$\rmα$ - [O II]/H$\rmβ$ - [O III]/H$\rmβ$. This method gives $98.95\% $ completeness in the SNR selection and $1.20\%$ contamination. We also define the [O I]/H$\rmα$ SNR selection criterion and we measure its efficiency in comparison to other selection criteria.

astro-ph.GA↗

arXiv2018

The massive star population of the Virgo Cluster galaxy NGC 4535

We analyzed the massive star population of the Virgo Cluster galaxy NGC 4535 using archival Hubble Space Telescope Wide Field Planetary Camera 2 images in filters F555W and F814W, equivalent to Johnson V and Kron-Cousins I. We performed high precision point spread function fitting photometry of 24353 sources including 3762 candidate blue supergiants, 841 candidate yellow supergiants and 370 candidate red supergiants. We estimated the ratio of blue to red supergiants as a decreasing function of galactocentric radius. Using Modules for Experiments in Stellar Astrophysics isochrones at solar metallicity, we defined the luminosity function and estimated the star formation history of the galaxy over the last 60 Myrs. We conducted a variability search in the V and I filters using three variability indexes: the median absolute deviation, the interquartile range and the inverse von-Neumann ratio. This analysis yielded 120 new variable candidates with absolute magnitudes ranging from M$_{V}$ = $-$4 to $-$11 mag. We used the MESA evolutionary tracks at solar metallicity, to classify the variables based on their absolute magnitude and their position on the color-magnitude diagram. Among the new candidate variable sources are eight candidate variable red supergiants, three candidate variable yellow supergiants and one candidate luminous blue variable, which we suggest for follow-up observations.

astro-ph.SR↗

arXiv2016

The circumstellar environment of pre-SN Ia systems

Here we explore the possible preexisting circumstellar debris of supernova type Ia systems. Classical, symbiotic and recurrent novae all accrete onto roughly solar mass white dwarfs from main sequence or Mira type companions and result in thermonuclear runaways and expulsion of the accreted material at high velocity. The expelled material forms a fast moving shell that eventually slows to planetary nebula expansion velocities within several hundred years. All such systems are recurrent and thousands of shells (each of about 0.001 Mo) snow plough into the environment. As these systems involve common envelope binaries the material is distributed in a non-spherical shell. These systems could be progenitors of some SN Ia and thus explode into environments with large amounts of accumulated gas and dust distributed in thin non-spherical shells. Such shells should be observable around 100 years after a SN Ia event in a radio flash as the SN Ia debris meets that of the ejected material of the systems previous incarnation.

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