arXiv subjects

Vikram V. Dwarkadas

Publications and source records attributed to Vikram V. Dwarkadas.

At least 37 records · Page 2Linked to original sources

arXiv2020

SPI Analysis and Abundance Calculations of DEM L71, and Comparison to SN explosion Models

We analyze the X-Ray emission from the supernova remnant DEM L71 using the Smoothed Particle Inference (SPI) technique. The high Fe abundance found appears to confirm the Type Ia origin. Our method allows us to separate the material ejected in the supernova explosion from the material swept-up by the supernova shock wave. We are able to calculate the total mass of this swept-up material to be about 228 $\pm$ 23 M$_{\odot}$. We plot the posterior distribution for the number density parameter, and create a map of the density structure within the remnant. While the observed density shows substantial variations, we find our results are generally consistent with a two-dimensional hydrodynamical model of the remnant that we have run. Assuming the ejected material arises from a Type Ia explosion, with no hydrogen present, we use the predicted yields from Type Ia models available in the literature to characterize the emitting gas. We find that the abundance of various elements match those predicted by deflagration to detonation transition (DDT) models. Our results, compatible with the Type Ia scenario, highlight the complexity of the remnant and the nature of the surrounding medium.

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arXiv2019

Interaction of SN~Ib 2004dk with a Previously-Expelled Envelope

The interaction between the expanding supernova (SN) ejecta with the circumstellar material (CSM) that was expelled from the progenitor prior to explosion is a long-sought phenomenon, yet observational evidence is scarce. Here we confirm a new example: SN 2004dk, originally a hydrogen-poor, helium-rich Type Ib SN that reappeared as a strong H$α$-emitting point-source on narrowband H$α$ images. We present follow-up optical spectroscopy that reveals the presence of a broad H$α$ component with full width at half maximum of ~290 km/s in addition to the narrow H$α$ +[NII] emission features from the host galaxy. Such a broad component is a clear sign of an ejecta-CSM interaction. We also present observations with the XMM-Newton Observatory, the Swift satellite, and the Chandra X-ray Observatory that span 10 days to 15 years after discovery. The detection of strong radio, X-ray, and H$α$ emission years after explosion allows various constraints to be put on pre-SN mass-loss processes. We present a wind-bubble model in which the CSM is "pre-prepared" by a fast wind interacting with a slow wind. Much of the outer density profile into which the SN explodes corresponds to no steady-state mass-loss process. We estimate that the shell of compressed slow wind material was ejected ~1400 yr prior to explosion, perhaps during carbon burning, and that the SN shock had swept up about 0.04 M_sun of material. The region emitting the H$α$ has a density of order $10^{-20}$ g/cc.

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arXiv2019

Excavating the Explosion and Progenitor Properties of Type IIP Supernovae via Modelling of their Optical Lightcurves

The progenitors of Type IIP supernovae (SNe) are known to be red supergiants, but their properties are not well determined. We employ hydrodynamical modelling to investigate the explosion characteristics of eight Type IIP supernovae, and the properties of their progenitor stars. We create evolutionary models using the {\sc MESA} stellar evolution code, explode these models, and simulate the optical lightcurves using the {\sc STELLA} code. We fit the optical lightcurves, Fe II 5169Å velocity, and photospheric velocity, to the observational data. Recent research has suggested that the progenitors of Type IIP SNe have a zero age main sequence (ZAMS) mass not exceeding $\sim18$ M$_{\odot}$. Our fits give a progenitor ZAMS mass $\leq18$ M$_{\odot}$ for seven of the supernovae. Where previous progenitor mass estimates exist, from various sources such as hydrodynamical modelling, multi-wavelength observations, or semi-analytic calculations, our modelling generally tends towards the lower mass values. This result is in contrast to results from previous hydrodynamical modelling, but is consistent with those obtained using general-relativistic radiation-hydrodynamical codes. We do find that one event, SN 2015ba, has a progenitor whose mass is closer to 24 M$_{\odot}$ , although we are unable to fit it well. We also derive the amount of $^{56}$Ni required to reproduce the tail of the lightcurve, and find values generally larger than previous estimates. Overall, we find that it is difficult to characterize the explosion by a single parameter, and that a range of parameters is needed.

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arXiv2019

Near-Earth Supernova Explosions: Evidence, Implications, and Opportunities

There is now solid experimental evidence of at least one supernova explosion within 100 pc of Earth within the last few million years, from measurements of the short-lived isotope 60Fe in widespread deep-ocean samples, as well as in the lunar regolith and cosmic rays. This is the first established example of a specific dated astrophysical event outside the Solar System having a measurable impact on the Earth, offering new probes of stellar evolution, nuclear astrophysics, the astrophysics of the solar neighborhood, cosmic-ray sources and acceleration, multi-messenger astronomy, and astrobiology. Interdisciplinary connections reach broadly to include heliophysics, geology, and evolutionary biology. Objectives for the future include pinning down the nature and location of the established near-Earth supernova explosions, seeking evidence for others, and searching for other short-lived isotopes such as 26Al and 244Pu. The unique information provided by geological and lunar detections of radioactive 60Fe to assess nearby supernova explosions make now a compelling time for the astronomy community to advocate for supporting multi-disciplinary, cross-cutting research programs.

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arXiv2018

Effect of Supernovae on the Local Interstellar Material

A range of astronomical data indicates that ancient supernovae created the galactic environment of the Sun and sculpted the physical properties of the interstellar medium near the heliosphere. In this paper we review the characteristics of the local interstellar medium that have been affected by supernovae. The kinematics, magnetic field, elemental abundances, and configuration of the nearest interstellar material support the view that the Sun is at the edge of the Loop I superbubble, which has merged into the low density Local Bubble. The energy source for the higher temperature X-ray emitting plasma pervading the Local Bubble is uncertain. Winds from massive stars and nearby supernovae, perhaps from the Sco-Cen Association, may have contributed radioisotopes found in the geologic record and galactic cosmic ray population. Nested supernova shells in the Orion and Sco-Cen regions suggest spatially distinct sites of episodic star formation. The heliosphere properties vary with the pressure of the surrounding interstellar cloud. A nearby supernova would modify this pressure equilibrium and thereby severely disrupt the heliosphere as well as the local interstellar medium.

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arXiv2017

Triggered Star Formation Inside the Shell of a Wolf-Rayet Bubble as the origin of the Solar System

A critical constraint on solar system formation is the high $^{26}$Al/$^{27}$Al abundance ratio of 5 $\times 10^{-5}$ at the time of formation, which was about 17 times higher than the average Galactic ratio, while the $^{60}$Fe/$^{56}$Fe value was about $2 \times 10^{-8}$, lower than the Galactic value. This challenges the assumption that a nearby supernova was responsible for the injection of these short-lived radionuclides into the early solar system. We show that this conundrum can be resolved if the Solar System was formed by triggered star formation at the edge of a Wolf-Rayet (W-R) bubble. Aluminium-26 is produced during the evolution of the massive star, released in the wind during the W-R phase, and condenses into dust grains that are seen around W-R stars. The dust grains survive passage through the reverse shock and the low density shocked wind, reach the dense shell swept-up by the bubble, detach from the decelerated wind and are injected into the shell. Some portions of this shell subsequently collapses to form the dense cores that give rise to solar-type systems. The subsequent aspherical supernova does not inject appreciable amounts of $^{60}$Fe into the proto-solar-system, thus accounting for the observed low abundance of $^{60}$Fe. We discuss the details of various processes within the model and conclude that it is a viable model that can explain the initial abundances of $^{26}$Al and $^{60}$Fe. We estimate that 1-16% of all Sun-like stars could have formed in such a setting of triggered star formation in the shell of a WR bubble.

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arXiv2017

SNaX - A Database of Supernova X-ray Lightcurves

We present the Supernova X-ray Database (SNaX), a compilation of the X-ray data from young supernovae (SNe). The database includes the X-ray flux and luminosity of young SNe, days to years after outburst. The original goal and intent were to present a database of Type IIn SNe. After having accomplished this we are slowly expanding it to include all SNe for which published data are available. The interface allows one to search for SNe using various criteria, plot all or selected data-points, and download both the data and the plot. The plotting facility allows for significant customization. There is also a facility for the user to submit data that can be directly incorporated into the database. We include an option to fit the decay of any given SN lightcurve with a power-law. The database includes a conversion of most datapoints to a common 0.3-8 keV band so that SN lightcurves may be directly compared with each other. A mailing list has been set up to disseminate information about the database. We outline the structure and function of the database, describe its various features and outline the plans for future expansion.

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arXiv2016

X-Ray and Radio Emission from the Luminous Supernova 2005kd

SN 2005kd is among the most luminous supernovae (SNe) to be discovered at X-ray wavelengths. We have re-analysed all good angular resolution (better than $20"$ FWHM PSF) archival X-ray data for SN 2005kd. The data reveal an X-ray light curve that decreases as t$^{-1.62 \pm 0.06}$. Our modelling of the data suggests that the early evolution is dominated by emission from the forward shock in a high-density medium. Emission from the radiative reverse shock is absorbed by the cold dense shell formed behind the reverse shock. Our results suggest a progenitor with a mass-loss rate towards the end of its evolution of $\ge$ 4.3 $\times$ 10$^{-4} M_{\odot} \,{\rm yr}^{-1}$, for a wind velocity of 10 km s$^{-1}$, at 4.0 $\times$ 10$^{16}$ cm. This mass-loss rate is too high for most known stars, except perhaps hypergiant stars. A higher wind velocity would lead to a correspondingly higher mass-loss rate. A Luminous Blue Variable star undergoing a giant eruption could potentially fulfill this requirement, but would need a high mass-loss rate lasting for several hundred years, and need to explain the plateau observed in the optical light curve. The latter could perhaps be due to the ejecta expanding in the dense circumstellar material at relatively small radii. These observations are consistent with the fact that Type IIn SNe appear to expand into high density and high mass-loss rate environments, and also suggest rapid variability in the wind mass-loss parameters within at least the last 5000 years of stellar evolution prior to core-collapse.

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arXiv2015

Probing Final Stages of Stellar Evolution with X-Ray Observations of SN 2013ej

Massive stars shape their surroundings with mass loss from winds during their lifetimes. Fast ejecta from supernovae, from these massive stars, shocks this circumstellar medium. Emission generated by this interaction provides a window into the final stages of stellar evolution, by probing the history of mass loss from the progenitor. Here we use Chandra and Swift x-ray observations of the type II-P/L SN 2013ej to probe the history of mass loss from its progenitor. We model the observed x-rays as emission from both heated circumstellar matter and supernova ejecta. The circumstellar density profile probed by the supernova shock reveals a history of steady mass loss during the final 400 years. The inferred mass loss rate of $3 \times 10^{-6} {\rm \; M_\odot \; yr^{-1}}$ points back to a 14 $M_\odot$ progenitor. Soon after the explosion we find significant absorption of reverse shock emission by a cooling shell. The column depth of this shell observed in absorption provides an independent and consistent measurement of the circumstellar density seen in emission. We also determine the efficiency of cosmic ray acceleration from x-rays produced by Inverse Compton scattering of optical photons by relativistic electrons. Only about 1 percent of the thermal energy is used to accelerate electrons. Our x-ray observations and modeling provides stringent tests for models of massive stellar evolution and micro-physics of shocks.

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arXiv2015

Probing Efficient Cosmic-Ray Acceleration in Young Supernovae

The formation of a core collapse supernovae (SNe) results in a fast (but non- or mildly-relativistic) shock wave expanding outwards into the surrounding medium. The medium itself is likely modified due to the stellar mass-loss from the massive star progenitor, which may be Wolf-Rayet stars (for Type Ib/c SNe), red supergiant stars (for type IIP and perhaps IIb and IIL SNe), or some other stellar type. The wind mass-loss parameters determine the density structure of the surrounding medium. Combined with the velocity of the SN shock wave, this regulates the shock acceleration process. In this article we discuss the essential parameters that control the particle acceleration and gamma-ray emission in SNe, with particular reference to the Type IIb SN 1993J. The shock wave expanding into the high density medium leads to fast particle acceleration, giving rise to rapidly-growing plasma instabilities driven by the acceleration process itself. The instabilities grow over intraday timescales. This growth, combined with the interplay of non-linear processes, results in the amplification of the magnetic field at the shock front, which can adequately account for the magnetic field strengths deduced from radio monitoring of the source. The maximum particle energy can reach, and perhaps exceed, 1 PeV, depending on the dominant instability. The gamma-ray signal is found to be heavily absorbed by pair production process during the first week after the outburst. We derive the time dependent particle spectra and associated hadronic signatures of secondary particles (gamma-ray, leptons and neutrinos) arising from proton proton interactions. We find that the Cherenkov Telescope Array (CTA) should be able to detect objects like SN 1993J above 1 TeV. We predict a low neutrino flux above 10 TeV, implying a detectability horizon with current or planned neutrino telescopes of 1 Mpc.

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arXiv2015

X-ray Emission from Ionized Wind-Bubbles around Wolf-Rayet Stars

Using a code that employs a self-consistent method for computing the effects of photoionization on circumstellar gas dynamics, we model the formation of wind-driven nebulae around massive Wolf-Rayet (W-R) stars. Our algorithm incorporates a simplified model of the photo-ionization source, computes the fractional ionization of hydrogen due to the photoionizing flux and recombination, and determines self-consistently the energy balance due to ionization, photo-heating and radiative cooling. We take into account changes in stellar properties and mass-loss over the star's evolution. Our multi-dimensional simulations clearly reveal the presence of strong ionization front instabilities. Using various X-ray emission models, and abundances consistent with those derived for W-R nebulae, we compute the X-ray flux and spectra from our wind bubble models. We show the evolution of the X-ray spectral features with time over the evolution of the star, taking the absorption of the X-rays by the ionized bubble into account. Our simulated X-ray spectra compare reasonably well with observed spectra of Wolf-Rayet bubbles. They suggest that X-ray nebulae around massive stars may not be easily detectable, consistent with observations.

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arXiv2014

On the Lack of X-ray Bright Type IIP Supernovae

Type IIP Supernovae (SNe) are expected to arise from Red Supergiant stars (RSGs). These stars have observed mass-loss rates that span more than two orders of magnitude, from $< 10^{-6}$ solar masses yr$^{-1}$ to almost $ 10^{-4} $ solar masses yr$^{-1}$. Thermal bremsstrahlung X-ray emission from at least some IIP's should reflect the larger end of the high mass-loss rates. Strangely, no IIP SNe are seen where the X-ray luminosity is large enough to suggest mass-loss rates greater than about $ 10^{-5} $ solar masses yr$^{-1}$. We investigate if this could be due to absorption of the X-ray emission. After carefully studying all the various aspects, we conclude that absorption would not be large enough to prevent us from having detected X-ray emission from high mass-loss rate IIP's. This leads us to the conclusion that there may be an upper limit of $\sim 10^{-5} $ solar masses yr$^{-1}$ to the mass-loss rate of Type IIP progenitors, and therefore to the luminosity of RSGs that explode to form Type IIPs. This is turn suggests an upper limit of $\leq 19 $ solar masses for the progenitor mass of a Type IIP SN. This limit is close to that obtained by direct detection of IIP progenitors, as well as that suggested by recent stellar evolution calculations. Although the statistics need to be improved, many current indicators support the notion that RSGs above $\sim 19 $ solar masses do not explode to form Type IIP SNe.

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arXiv2013

The progenitor of SN 2011ja: Clues from circumstellar interaction

Massive stars, possibly red supergiants, which retain extended hydrogen envelopes until core collapse, produce Type II Plateau (IIP) supernovae. The ejecta from these explosions shock the circumstellar matter originating from the mass loss of the progenitor during the final phases of its life. This interaction accelerates particles to relativistic energies which then lose energy via synchrotron radiation in the shock-amplified magnetic fields and inverse Compton scattering against optical photons from the supernova. These processes produce different signatures in the radio and X-ray part of the electromagnetic spectrum. Observed together, they allow us to break the degeneracy between shock acceleration and magnetic field amplification. In this work we use X-rays observations from the Chandra and radio observations from the ATCA to study the relative importance of processes which accelerate particles and those which amplify magnetic fields in producing the non-thermal radiation from SN 2011ja. We use radio observations to constrain the explosion date. Multiple Chandra observations allow us to probe the history of variable mass loss from the progenitor. The ejecta expands into a low density bubble followed by interaction with a higher density wind from a red supergiant consistent with ZAMS mass greater than 16 solar masses. Our results suggest that a fraction of type IIP supernovae may interact with circumstellar media set up by non-steady winds.

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arXiv2012

Simulated X-ray Spectra From Ionized Wind-Blown Nebulae around Massive Stars

Using an ionization gasdynamics code, we simulate a model of the wind-blown bubble around a 40 solar mass star. We use this to compute the X-ray spectra from the bubble, which can be directly compared to observations. We outline our methods and techniques for these computations, and contrast them with previous calculations. Our simulated X-ray spectra compare reasonably well with observed spectra of Wolf-Rayet bubbles. They suggest that X-ray nebulae around massive stars may not be easily detectable, consistent with observations.

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arXiv2012

Supernova Remnant Evolution in Wind Bubbles: A Closer Look at Kes 27

Massive Stars (> 8 solar masses) lose mass in the form of strong winds. These winds accumulate around the star, forming wind-blown bubbles. When the star explodes as a supernova (SN), the resulting shock wave expands within this wind-blown bubble, rather than the interstellar medium. The properties of the resulting remnant, its dynamics and kinematics, the morphology, and the resulting evolution, are shaped by the structure and properties of the wind-blown bubble. In this article we focus on Kes 27, a supernova remnant (SNR) that has been proposed by Chen et al (2008) to be evolving in a wind-blown bubble, explore its properties, and investigate whether the properties could be ascribed to evolution of a SNR in a wind-blown bubble. Our initial model does not support this conclusion, due to the fact that the reflected shock is expanding into much lower densities.

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arXiv2011

Supernova Propagation in the Circumstellar and Interstellar Medium

We describe the propagation of supernova shocks within the surrounding medium, which may be due to mass-loss from the progenitor star. The structure and density profile of the ejected material and surrounding medium are considered. Shock wave interaction with clouds and wind-bubbles, and issues relevant to cosmic rays are briefly discussed.

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arXiv2011

What are Published X-ray lightcurves telling us about Young Supernova Expansion?

Massive stars lose mass in the form of stellar winds and outbursts. This material accumulates around the star. When the star explodes as a supernova (SN) the resulting shock wave expands within this circumstellar medium. The X-ray emission resulting from the interaction depends, among other parameters, on the density of this medium, and therefore the variation in the X-ray luminosity can be used to study the variation in the density structure of the medium. In this paper we explore the X-ray emission and lightcurves of all known SNe, in order to study the nature of the medium into which they are expanding. In particular we wish to investigate whether young SNe are expanding into a steady wind medium, as is most often assumed in the literature. We find that in the context of the theoretical arguments that have been generally used in the literature, many young SNe, and especially those of Type IIn, which are the brightest X-ray luminosity class, do not appear to be expanding into steady winds. Some IIns appear to have very steep X-ray luminosity declines, indicating density declines much steeper than r$^{-2}$. However, other IIns show a constant or even increasing X-ray luminosity over periods of months to years. Many other SNe do not appear to have declines consistent with expansion in a steady wind. SNe with lower X-ray luminosities appear to be more consistent with steady wind expansion, although the numbers are not large enough to make firm statistical comments. The numbers do indicate that the expansion and density structure of the circumstellar medium must be investigated before assumptions can be made of steady wind expansion. Unless a steady wind can be shown, mass-loss rates deduced using this assumption may need to be revised.

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arXiv2011

Modeling SN 1996cr's X-ray lines at high-resolution: Sleuthing the ejecta/CSM geometry

SN 1996cr, located in the Circinus Galaxy (3.7 Mpc, z ~ 0.001) was non-detected in X-rays at ~ 1000 days yet brightened to ~ 4 x 10^{39} erg/s (0.5-8 keV) after 10 years (Bauer et al. 2008). A 1-D hydrodynamic model of the ejecta-CSM interaction produces good agreement with the measured X-ray light curves and spectra at multiple epochs. We conclude that the progenitor of SN 1996cr could have been a massive star, M > 30 M_solar, which went from an RSG to a brief W-R phase before exploding within its ~ 0.04 pc wind-blown shell (Dwarkadas et al. 2010). Further analysis of the deep Chandra HETG observations allows line-shape fitting of a handful of bright Si and Fe lines in the spectrum. The line shapes are well fit by axisymmetric emission models with an axis orientation ~ 55 degrees to our line-of-sight. In the deep 2009 epoch the higher ionization Fe XXVI emission is constrained to high lattitudes: the Occam-est way to get the Fe H-like emission coming from high latitude/polar regions is to have more CSM at/around the poles than at mid and lower lattitudes, along with a symmetric ejecta explosion/distribution. Similar CSM/ejecta characterization may be possible for other SNe and, with higher-throughput X-ray observations, for gamma-ray burst remnants as well.

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