Studying the Progenitors of Type Ia Supernovae via Lensing with the Kepler Survey

Every model for the progenitors of Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) requires that binaries pass through an epoch during which a white dwarf (WD) orbits a non-degenerate star. Depending on the mass of the WD, the radius of its companion, and the orbital separation, the WD may lens its companion. The lensing event would be an antitransit, an increase in light from the companion that can rise to the level of a percent or more, during an interval of hours. Antitransits are periodic. By studying them we can determine the properties of both the WD and its companion, as well as the characteristics of the orbit. Lensing events of this type are almost certain to be observed by the Kepler mission, while some can even be detected by ground-based surveys. Antitransits and transits will both provide valuable insight into the end states of common envelope evolution and of stable mass transfer, resolving issues that must be understood before we can fully unravel the progenitor puzzle.