We present UV and/or optical observations and models of SN 2023ixf, a type II supernova (SN) located in Messier 101 at 6.9 Mpc. Early time (
A growing number of core-collapse supernovae (SNe) that show evidence for interaction with dense circumstellar medium (CSM) are accompanied by “precursor” optical emission rising weeks to months prior to the explosion. The precursor luminosities greatly exceed the Eddington limit of the progenitor star, implying that they are accompanied by substantial mass loss. Here, we present a semi-analytic model for SN precursor light curves, which we apply to constrain the properties and mechanisms of the pre-explosion mass loss. We explore two limiting mass-loss scenarios: (1) an “eruption” arising from shock breakout following impulsive energy deposition below the stellar surface; and (2) a steady “wind,” due to sustained heating of the progenitor envelope. The eruption model, which resembles a scaled-down version of Type IIP SNe, can explain the luminosities and timescales of well-sampled precursors, for ejecta masses ∼ 0.1–1
- NSF-PAR ID:
- 10370922
- Publisher / Repository:
- DOI PREFIX: 10.3847
- Date Published:
- Journal Name:
- The Astrophysical Journal
- Volume:
- 936
- Issue:
- 2
- ISSN:
- 0004-637X
- Format(s):
- Medium: X Size: Article No. 114
- Size(s):
- ["Article No. 114"]
- Sponsoring Org:
- National Science Foundation
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Abstract flash ) spectroscopy of SN 2023ixf, obtained primarily at Lick Observatory, reveals emission lines of Hi , Hei/ii , Civ , and Niii/iv/v with a narrow core and broad, symmetric wings arising from the photoionization of dense, close-in circumstellar material (CSM) located around the progenitor star prior to shock breakout. These electron-scattering broadened line profiles persist for ∼8 days with respect to first light, at which time Doppler broadened the features from the fastest SN ejecta form, suggesting a reduction in CSM density atr ≳ 1015cm. The early time light curve of SN 2023ixf shows peak absolute magnitudes (e.g.,M u = −18.6 mag,M g = −18.4 mag) that are ≳2 mag brighter than typical type II SNe, this photometric boost also being consistent with the shock power supplied from CSM interaction. Comparison of SN 2023ixf to a grid of light-curve and multiepoch spectral models from the non-LTE radiative transfer codeCMFGEN and the radiation-hydrodynamics codeHERACLES suggests dense, solar-metallicity CSM confined tor = (0.5–1) × 1015cm, and a progenitor mass-loss rate of yr−1. For the assumed progenitor wind velocity ofv w = 50 km s−1, this corresponds to enhanced mass loss (i.e.,superwind phase) during the last ∼3–6 yr before explosion. -
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