Light Echoes and the Progenitor of SN 2016adj in Cen A
Abstract
Supernova (SN) 2016adj is the fifth closest SN to be discovered during the lifetime of HST. This event offers us a rich variety of rare and unique opportunities, including: (1) identifying the progenitor; (2) mapping the three-dimensional structure and chemical composition of the progenitor's circumstellar and the host galaxy's interstellar environments; (3) testing models of stellar mass loss and high-mass stellar evolution; and (4) measuring the distance to the host galaxy, Cen A. The progenitor field of the SN has been observed from the near-UV to the near-IR with WFC3, which will immediately allow us to accomplish the first science goal by identifying the progenitor (or establishing its upper limits) once a new image with the SN present is taken. Preliminary analyses of early-time spectra of SN 2016adj indicate its light is being extinguished by at least A(V)=2-4 magnitudes, meaning it is buried deep within the dust lane of Cen A. Echoes of the SN light off of this dust will allow us to produce high-resolution, three-dimensional maps of the structure and composition of the dust in and around the line-of-sight to the SN, which we will use (as explained in this proposal) to accomplish science goals (2)-(4) listed above. Please note that since echoes pass through a given point in space only once, data are permanently lost for each epoch that is not observed. While we will propose for continued observations in the Cycle 24 call for proposals, most of the science we propose cannot be achieved if the observations in this proposal are not taken before Cycle 24 begins.
- Publication:
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HST Proposal
- Pub Date:
- October 2015
- Bibcode:
- 2015hst..prop14487S