Varied Deaths of Massive Stars: Optical and NIR properties of Type Ib/c Supernovae
Maryam Modjaz (Harvard/CfA) - Oct 30 at 12:00 noon
Supernovae of Type Ib/c are core-collapse supernovae whose massive
progenitors have been stripped of their hydrogen and helium envelopes.
While the Type Ic Supernovae (SN Ic) associated with long Gamma Ray Bursts
(GRBs) have been studied, we do not know the full range of properties of
normal or broad-lined SN Ic with which they should be compared. Nor do we
fully understand the conditions that lead to each kind of explosion in a
star with extensive mass loss. I will present a densely covered and
homogeneous sample of optical and NIR data of SN Ib/c that doubles the
world supply of well-observed events. I discuss general properties of
this population of stripped-envelope core-collapse supernovae, including
their luminosity distribution, and photometric and spectroscopic
relationships. Specifically, I will present data of SN 2005bf, a unique
Type Ib SN, and of SN 2006aj, the most recent spectroscopically-confirmed
SN associated with GRB060218. I will emphasize signs of asphericity seen
even in normal SN Ib/c and their NIR properties. In conjunction with the
most recent literature, I will discuss their implications for the SN-GRB
connection and conclude with the most promising venues of upcoming
research that can clarify how massive stars die.
The seminar will be held in 544 Campbell Hall.
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