Detection of the Gravitational Lens Magnifying a Type Ia Supernova
Abstract
Objects of known brightness, like type Ia supernovae (SNIa), can be used to measure distances. If a massive object warps spacetime to form multiple images of a background SNIa, a direct test of cosmic expansion is also possible. However, these lensing events must first be distinguished from other rare phenomena. Recently, a supernova was found to shine much brighter than normal for its distance, which resulted in a debate: Was it a new type of superluminous supernova or a normal SNIa magnified by a hidden gravitational lens? Here, we report that a spectrum obtained after the supernova faded away shows the presence of a foreground galaxy—the first found to strongly magnify a SNIa. We discuss how more lensed SNIa can be found than previously predicted.
- Publication:
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Science
- Pub Date:
- April 2014
- DOI:
- 10.1126/science.1250903
- arXiv:
- arXiv:1404.6014
- Bibcode:
- 2014Sci...344..396Q
- Keywords:
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- ASTRONOMY, Astronomy, Sociology, Chemistry;
- Astrophysics - Cosmology and Nongalactic Astrophysics
- E-Print:
- 32 pages, 10 figures. Accepted for publication in Science