Swift UVOT observations of type Ia Supernovae

Peter A. Milne, Peter J. Brown, Stephen T. Holland, Peter W.A. Roming, Dan Vanden Berk, Stefan Immler

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

We review recent UV observations of thermonuclear supernovae (SNe Ia) performed with the Swift Ultraviolet/Optical Telescope (UVOT) during its first two years. The UV light curves are found to have highly homogeneous light curve shapes, with peak dates that are similar to the peak dates in the U band (which is ∼2days earlier than in the B band). Optically-bright SNe Ia are found to be UV bright, as optically-faint SNe Ia are found to be UV faint. These findings are of interest for the cosmological utilization of SNe Ia as standard candles, and they afford insight into the thermonuclear explosion. The SN 2005ke was observed to feature a UV excess at late times presumably due to the SN shock encountering the circumstellar emission from a red giant donor star in the progenitor system. Collectively, Swift UV/X-ray observations of SNe Ia bear the promise of dramatically improving the understanding of type Ia SNe over the course of the upcoming years.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationSUPERNOVA 1987A
Subtitle of host publication20 YEARS AFTER: Supernovae and Gamma-Ray Bursters
Pages303-310
Number of pages8
DOIs
StatePublished - 2007
EventSUPERNOVA 1987A: 20 YEARS AFTER: Supernovae and Gamma-Ray Bursters - Aspen, CO, United States
Duration: Feb 19 2007Feb 23 2007

Publication series

NameAIP Conference Proceedings
Volume937
ISSN (Print)0094-243X
ISSN (Electronic)1551-7616

Other

OtherSUPERNOVA 1987A: 20 YEARS AFTER: Supernovae and Gamma-Ray Bursters
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityAspen, CO
Period2/19/072/23/07

Keywords

  • Supernovae
  • Ultraviolet

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Physics and Astronomy

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