A Limit on the Production of 56Ni in a Type I Supernova
Abstract
We have searcHed the data from the Gamma-Ray Spectrometer on tHe Solar Maximum Mission satellite for evidence of gamma-ray line emission from the decay of ^56^Co in the Type Ia SN 1986G. We found no significant flux at either 847 or 1238 keV, the energies of the two strongest decay lines. Based on the data, we can set a 3 σ upper limit of 0.4 M_sun_(D/3 Mpc)^2^ on the amount of ^56^Ni produced in the explosion. This value is consistent with radioactive models of Type I light curves. For distances less than 3 Mpc the limit is inconsistent with most models of SN Ia as thermonuclear explosions of white dwarfs.
- Publication:
-
The Astrophysical Journal
- Pub Date:
- October 1990
- DOI:
- 10.1086/169259
- Bibcode:
- 1990ApJ...362..235M
- Keywords:
-
- Gamma Ray Spectrometers;
- Light Curve;
- Nickel Isotopes;
- Nuclear Fusion;
- Supernovae;
- Emission Spectra;
- Line Spectra;
- Solar Maximum Mission;
- White Dwarf Stars;
- Astrophysics;
- GAMMA RAYS: GENERAL;
- NUCLEOSYNTHESIS;
- STARS: SUPERNOVAE