NuSTAR Supernova Program

NuSTAR provides an entirely new insight into supernova explosions, both historical supernovae in our Galaxy and current supernovae in our local Universe. High spectral resolution and sensitivity enables direct measurement of the 44-Ti yield in a sample of young Galactic remnants (Cas A, G1.9+03) and SN 1987A, providing a detailed probe into the heart of these supernova explosions to test models of nucleosynthesis. NuSTAR also performs imaging of the 44-Ti, allowing direct observation of explosion dynamics including asymmetries, mixing, clumpiness, and high-velocity ejections. As a target of opportunity, NuSTAR will study hard X-ray emission from SN Ia explosions out to the Virgo cluster and core-collapse supernovae in the Local Group. This emission arises from the Compton down-scatter of 56-Ni decay gamma-rays, and the lightcurve and spectrum emerging from the supernova at hard X-rays is sensitive to the mass and abundance distributions in the explosion. We discuss the primary scientific goals for NuSTAR in relation to supernova science, as well as the observing plan and preliminary scientific results.