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We present spectra of the supernova (SN) impostor AT 2016blu spanning over a decade. This transient exhibits quasi-periodic outbursts with an $$\sim$$113 d period, likely triggered by periastron encounters in an eccentric binary system where the primary star is a luminous blue variable (LBV). The overall spectrum remains fairly consistent during quiescence and eruptions, with subtle changes in line-profile shapes and other details. Some narrow emission features indicate contamination from a nearby H ii region in the host galaxy, NGC 4559. Broader H $$\alpha$$ profiles exhibit Lorentzian shapes with full width at half-maximum intensity (FWHM) values that vary significantly, showing no correlation with photometric outbursts or the 113 d phase. At some epochs, H $$\alpha$$ exhibits asymmetric profiles with a stronger redshifted wing, while broad and sometimes multicomponent P Cygni absorption features occasionally appear, but are again uncorrelated with brightness or phase. These P Cygni absorptions have high velocities compared to the FWHM of the H $$\alpha$$ emission line, perhaps suggesting that the absorption component is not in the LBV’s wind, but is instead associated with a companion. The lack of phase dependence in line-profile changes may point to interaction between a companion and a variable or inhomogeneous primary wind, in an orbit with only mild eccentricity. Recent photometric data indicate that AT 2016blu experienced its 21st outburst around 2023 May/June, as predicted based on its period. This type of quasi-periodic LBV remains poorly understood, but its spectra and erratic light curve resemble some pre-SN outbursts such as those of SN 2009ip. 

Abstract We present complete spectropolarimetric coverage of the Type II supernova (SN) 2023ixf, ranging from 1 to 120 days after explosion. Polarimetry was obtained with the Kast double spectrograph on the Shane 3 m telescope at Lick Observatory. As the ejecta interact with circumstellar material (CSM) during the first week, the intrinsic polarization of SN 2023ixf is initially high at ≲1%, dropping steeply within days down to ∼0.4% when the ejecta sweep up the optically thick CSM. The continuum polarization stays low at ∼0.2% thereafter, until it rises again to ∼0.6% as the ejecta transition to the nebular phase. We model this evolution using a combination of archival and newly computed two-dimensional polarized radiative transfer models. In this context, we interpret the early-time polarization as arising from an aspherical CSM with a pole-to-equator density contrast of ≳3. We propose that the surge in polarization at late times originates from an asymmetric distribution of⁵⁶Ni deep in the ejecta. The distinct sources of asymmetries at early and late times are consistent with the temporal evolution of the observed polarization and the polarization angle in SN 2023ixf. 

Abstract We present early (≲1 yr) multiwavelength observations and analysis of six luminous fast blue optical transients (LFBOTs). We identified these LFBOTs in Zwicky Transient Facility survey data from their fast light-curve evolution (t_1/2≤ 12 days), blue colors at peak brightness (g − r≤ −0.2 mag), a visible host galaxy, high optical luminosity (M_g < −20 mag), and an X-ray and/or radio detection. With the exception of AT2024aehp (ZTF24abygbss), these transients exhibit peaks in their 10 GHz radio light curves att_rest ≈ 50–100 days, with peak radio luminosities ranging from 10³⁸to 10⁴⁰erg s⁻¹. Modeling the radio emission as synchrotron radiation indicates a fast (v= 0.1–0.3c) shock in a dense (n_e ≈ 10³–10⁴cm⁻³) medium. The X-ray emission varies by ≈2 orders of magnitude in luminosity (10⁴²–10⁴⁴erg s⁻¹) att_rest ∼ 20 days. Analysis of the host-galaxy photometry and spectroscopy for each transient shows that LFBOTs are predominantly nonnuclear (a few kiloparsecs offset) with star-forming host galaxies of stellar masses = 10⁹–10¹¹M_⊙. Unlike all other LFBOTs to date, AT2024aehp exhibited a luminous (M < −19 mag) plateau in the optical light curve and its 6–15 GHz radio emission brightened by over an order of magnitude fromt_rest ≈ 70 to 130 days. The mostly consistent radio behavior between these LFBOTs implies a similar circumburst medium, leading us to prefer a progenitor scenario in which mass is lost in a consistent way shortly prior to the terminal event. 

Abstract We present photometric and spectroscopic observations of SN 2024abfl, a low-luminosity Type IIP supernova (LLSN) discovered shortly after explosion. The transient reached a peak absolute magnitude ofM_V = −14.9 and exhibited an extended, flat plateau lasting ∼125 days. From the late-time bolometric light curve, we estimate a⁵⁶Ni mass of ∼0.01M_⊙, consistent with other LLSNe. Analytical shock-cooling models fail to reproduce the rapid early rise, indicating that circumstellar matter (CSM) interaction contributed to the initial emission. The spectroscopic evolution is typical of LLSNe, with relatively narrow metal lines and low expansion velocities (≲3000 km s⁻¹) that decline slowly over time. We detect a broad “ledge” feature around 4600 Å within 3 days of explosion, which we interpret as a blend of high-ionization, shock-accelerated CSM lines. Multipeaked Hαprofiles develop during the plateau phase, consistent with complex ejecta–CSM interaction. As one of the best-observed examples of LLSNe, SN 2024abfl exhibits a weak explosion and signatures of nearby CSM, offering new insights into progenitor properties, pre-explosion mass loss, and the diversity of LLSNe. 

Aims.We present optical, ultraviolet, and X-ray observations of supernova (SN) 2024iss, a Type IIb SN that shows a prominent double-peaked light curve. Methods.We modeled the first peak with a semianalytical shock-cooling model and the X-ray emission with a free-free model. We also compared the envelope radius and mass-loss rate with those of other Type IIb SNe to explore the relationships between the progenitor envelope and the circumstellar material. Results.The shock-cooling peak in theV-band light curve reachedM_V = −17.33 ± 0.26 mag, while the⁵⁶Ni-powered second peak attainedM_V = −17.43 ± 0.26 mag. Early spectra show a photospheric velocity of approximately 19 400 km s⁻¹at 3.82 days from the HαP Cygni profile. The Balmer lines persist for at least more than 87 days after the explosion, which is characteristic of hydrogen-rich ejecta. Modeling the first light-curve peak with the shock-cooling model suggests an extended hydrogen envelope with a mass of 0.11 ± 0.04 M_⊙and a radius of 244 ± 43 R_⊙. Fitting the second light-curve peak with an Arnett-like model indicates a typical⁵⁶Ni mass of 0.117 ± 0.013 M_⊙and a relatively low ejecta mass of 1.27 ± 0.34 M_⊙. X-ray observations revealed bright thermal bremsstrahlung emission and indicate a mass-loss rate of 1.6 × 10⁻⁵M_⊙yr⁻¹, which is similar to that of SN 1993J. Conclusions.Supernova 2024iss occupies a transitional position between the two subclasses of extended and compact Type IIb SNe. Its envelope radius and preexplosion mass-loss rate appear to be consistent with the correlation observed in the broader sample. The observational properties of SN 2024iss are compatible with a binary-interaction scenario being the dominant mechanism for envelope stripping. 

Abstract We present optical + near-infrared + mid-infrared (MIR) observations of the normal Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) 2022aaiq and 2024gy in the nebular phase, continuously spanning 0.35–28μm. Medium-resolution JWST spectroscopy reveals novel narrow (v_FWHM < 1500 km s⁻¹) [Niii] 1.94 and 6.64μm cores in both events. The MIR [Niii] 6.64 μm line exhibits a distinct narrow core atop a broader base, indicating a central enhancement of stable Ni. This structure points to high central densities consistent with a near-Chandrasekhar-mass (M_Ch) progenitor or a high-metallicity sub-M_Chprogenitor. From detailed line-profile inversions of SN 2024gy, we derive emissivity profiles for stable iron-group elements, radioactive material, and intermediate-mass elements, revealing spatially distinct ejecta zones. The [Niiii] 7.35 μm line shows a shallow-to-steep slope transition—a “broken-slope” morphology—that matches predictions for delayed detonation explosions with separated deflagration and detonation ashes. We also reanalyze and compare to archival JWST spectra of SN 2021aefx and the subluminous SN 2022xkq. From the stable Ni luminosities, we infer that SN 2024gy produced ∼5–10 times more stable Ni mass than SN 2022xkq, favoring a near-M_Chscenario for SN 2024gy and a sub-M_Chscenario for SN 2022xkq. These results demonstrate that resolved line profiles, now accessible with JWST, provide powerful diagnostics of explosion geometry, central density, and progenitor mass in SNe Ia. 

Abstract Supernova (SN) 2014C is a rare transitional event that exploded as a hydrogen-poor, helium-rich Type Ib SN and subsequently interacted with a hydrogen-rich circumstellar medium (CSM) a few months postexplosion. This unique interacting object provides an opportunity to probe the mass-loss history of a stripped-envelope SN progenitor. Using the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), we observed SN 2014C with the Mid-Infrared Instrument Medium Resolution Spectrometer at 3477 days postexplosion (rest frame), and the Near-Infrared Spectrograph Integral Field Unit at 3568 days postexplosion, covering 1.7–25μm. The bolometric luminosity indicates that the SN is still interacting with the same CSM that was observed with the Spitzer Space Telescope 40–1920 days postexplosion. JWST spectra and near-contemporaneous optical and near-infrared spectra show strong [Neii] 12.831μm, He 1.083μm, Hα, and forbidden oxygen ([Oi]λλ6300, 6364, [Oii]λλ7319, 7330, and [Oiii]λλ4959, 5007) emission lines with asymmetric profiles, suggesting a highly asymmetric CSM. The mid-IR continuum can be explained by ∼0.036M_⊙of carbonaceous dust at ∼300 K and ∼0.043M_⊙of silicate dust at ∼200 K. The observed dust mass has increased tenfold since the last Spitzer observation 4 yr ago, with evidence suggesting that new grains have condensed in the cold dense shell between the forward and reverse shocks. This dust mass places SN 2014C among the dustiest SNe in the mid-IR and supports the emerging observational trend that SN explosions produce enough dust to explain the observed dust mass at high redshifts. 

Abstract The first few hours of a supernova (SN) contain significant information about the progenitor system. The most modern wide-field surveys that scan the sky repeatedly every few days can discover all kinds of transients in those early epochs.At such times, some progenitor footprints may be visible, elucidating critical explosion parameters and helping to distinguish between leading explosion models.A dedicated spectroscopic classification programme using the optical spectrograph OSIRIS mounted on the Gran Telescopio de Canarias was set up to try to obtain observations of supernovae (SNe) at those early epochs.With the time awarded, we obtained spectra of 10 SN candidates, which we present here. Half of them were thermonuclear SNe, while the other half were core-collapse SNe. Most (70%) were observed within the first six days of the estimated explosion, with two being captured within the first 48 hours. We present a characterization of the spectra, together with other public ancillary photometry from theZwicky Transient Facility (ZTF) and the Asteroid Terrestrial-impact Last Alert System (ATLAS).This project shows the need for an accompanying rapid-response spectroscopic programme for existing and future deep photometric wide-field surveys located at the right longitude to be able to trigger observations in a few hours after the discovery of the SN candidate.Both the future La Silla Southern Supernova Survey (LS4) and the Legacy Survey of Space and Time (LSST), both located in Chile, will be providing discovery and follow-up of most of the transients in the southern hemisphere. This paper demonstrates that with a rapid spectroscopic programme and stringent triggering criteria, obtaining a sample of SN with spectra within a day of the explosion is possible. 

Abstract We present multiwavelength observations of the Swift shortγ-ray burst GRB 231117A, localized to an underlying galaxy at redshiftz= 0.257 at a small projected offset (∼2 kpc). We uncover long-lived X-ray Chandra X-ray Observatory and radio/millimeter (VLA, MeerKAT, and ALMA) afterglow emission, detected to ∼37 days and ∼20 days (rest frame), respectively. We measure a wide jet (∼10 $\stackrel{\text{°}}{.}$ 4) and relatively high circumburst density (∼0.07 cm⁻³) compared to the short GRB population. Our data cannot be easily fit with a standard forward shock model, but they are generally well fit with the incorporation of a refreshed forward shock and a reverse shock at <1 day. We incorporate GRB 231117A into a larger sample of 132 X-ray detected events, 71 of which were radio-observed (17 cm-band detections), for a systematic study of the distributions of redshifts, jet and afterglow properties, galactocentric offsets, and local environments of events with and without detected radio afterglows. Compared to the entire short GRB population, the majority of radio-detected GRBs are at relatively low redshifts (z < 0.6) and have high circumburst densities (>10⁻²cm⁻³), consistent with their smaller (<8 kpc) projected galactocentric offsets. We additionally find that 70% of short GRBs with opening angle measurements were radio-detected, indicating the importance of radio afterglows in jet measurements, especially in the cases of wide (>10°) jets where observational evidence of collimation may only be detectable at radio wavelengths. Owing to improved observing strategies and the emergence of sensitive radio facilities, the number of radio-detected short GRBs has quadrupled in the past decade. 

Abstract While the subclass of interacting supernovae (SNe) with narrow hydrogen emission lines (Type IIn supernovae (SNe IIn)) consists of some of the longest-lasting and brightest supernovae (SNe) ever discovered, their progenitors are still not well understood. Investigating SNe IIn as they emit across the electromagnetic spectrum is the most robust way to understand the progenitor evolution before the explosion. This work presents X-ray, optical, infrared, and radio observations of the strongly interacting Type IIn supernova, SN 2020ywx, covering a period >1200 days after discovery. Through multiwavelength modeling, we find that the progenitor of 2020ywx was losing mass at ∼10⁻²–10⁻³M_⊙yr⁻¹for at least 100 yr pre-explosion using the circumstellar medium (CSM) speed of 120 km s⁻¹measured from optical and near-infrared (NIR) spectra. Despite the similar magnitude of mass loss measured in different wavelength ranges, we find discrepancies between the X-ray and optical/radio-derived mass-loss evolution, which suggest asymmetries in the CSM. Furthermore, we find evidence for dust formation due to the combination of a growing blueshift in optical emission lines and NIR continuum emission which we fit with blackbodies at ∼1000 K. Based on the observed elevated mass loss over more than 100 yr and the configuration of the CSM inferred from the multiwavelength observations, we invoke binary interaction as the most plausible mechanism to explain the overall mass-loss evolution. SN 2020ywx is thus a case that may support the growing observational consensus that SNe IIn mass loss is explained by binary interaction.