SN 2004aw: Confirming diversity of Type Ic supernovae

S. Taubenberger, A. Pastorello, P. A. Mazzali, S. Valenti, G. Pignata, D. N. Sauer, A. Arbey, O. Bärnbantner, S. Benetti, A. Della Valle, J. Deng, N. Elias-Rosa, A. V. Filippenko, R. J. Foley, A. Goobar, R. Kotak, W. Li, P. Meikle, J. Mendez, F. PatatE. Pian, C. Ries, P. Ruiz-Lapuente, M. Salvo, V. Stanishev, M. Turatto, W. Hillebrandt

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

Optical and near-infrared (near-IR) observations of the Type Ic supernova (SN Ic) 2004aw are presented, obtained from -3 to +413 d with respect to the B-band maximum. The photometric evolution is characterized by a comparatively slow post-maximum decline of the light curves. The peaks in redder bands are significantly delayed relative to the bluer bands, the I-band maximum occurring 8.4 d later than that in B. With an absolute peak magnitude of -18.02 in the F band the SN can be considered fairly bright, but not exceptional. This also holds for the U through / bolometric light curve, where SN 2004aw has a position intermediate between SNe 2002ap and 1998bw. Spectroscopically SN 2004aw provides a link between a normal SN Ic like SN 19941 and the group of broad-lined SNe Ic. The spectral evolution is rather slow, with a spectrum at day +64 being still predominantly photospheric. The shape of the nebular [O I] λλ6300,6364 line indicates a highly aspherical explosion. Helium cannot be unambiguously identified in the spectra, even in the near-IR. Using an analytical description of the light-curve peak we find that the total mass of the ejecta in SN 2004aw is 3.5-8.0 M, significantly larger than that in SN 19941, although not as large as in SN 1998bw. The same model suggests that about 0.3 M of 56Ni has been synthesized in the explosion. No connection to a GRB can be firmly established.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)1459-1477
Number of pages19
JournalMonthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society
Volume371
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Sep 2006

Keywords

  • Galaxies: individual: NGC 3997
  • Supernovae: general
  • Supernovae: individual: SN 1994I
  • Supernovae: individual: SN 2002ap
  • Supernovae: individual: SN 2003jd
  • Supernovae: individual: SN 2004aw

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
  • Space and Planetary Science

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