SN2014J as seen in radioactive decay gamma rays with INTEGRAL
Abstract
SN2014J has provided an opportunity for unprecedented observational coverage in many astronomical bands, and also was sufficiently nearby so that gamma rays were able to contribute to such investigations. This is important, as the primary source of the supernova light is the radioactive energy from about 0.5 M⊙ of 56Ni produced in the explosion, and the supernova light shining for months is the result of complex radiation transport physics. The INTEGRAL gamma-ray observatory of ESA has followed the supernova emission for almost 5 months. The characteristic gamma ray lines from the 56Ni decay chain through 56Co to 56Fe have been measured clearly, and for the first time in a supernova Ia. As a general result, these confirm the presence of the 56Ni energy source in about the expected magnitude, as well as its Doppler broadening signature of exploding material. Upon a closer look, interesting details are remarkable, and need to be understood. The 56Co gamma ray lines seem to appear more irregular than expected from a homologous and spherically-symmetric explosion. Even more striking is the presence of 56Ni gamma ray lines early after the explosion, when the 56Ni created in a central explosion of a white dwarf still should be embedded in material opaque to these gamma-rays. We discuss the significance of those results, and some suggestions to understand the gamma ray anomalies.
- Publication:
-
Fourteenth Marcel Grossmann Meeting - MG14
- Pub Date:
- 2018
- DOI:
- 10.1142/9789813226609_0206
- Bibcode:
- 2018mgm..conf.1936D