DOI QR코드

DOI QR Code

Cataclysmic Variables as Supernova Ia Progenitors

  • Kafka, Stella (NASA Astrobiology Institute, Department of Terrestrial Magnetism, Carnegie Institution of Washington)
  • Received : 2012.03.02
  • Accepted : 2012.05.01
  • Published : 2012.06.15

Abstract

Although the identification of the progenitors of type Ia supernovae (SNeIa) remains controversial, it is generally accepted that they originate from binary star systems in which at least one component is a carbon-oxygen white dwarf (WD); those systems are grouped under the wide umbrella of cataclysmic variables. Current theories for SNeIa progenitors hold that, either via Roche lobe overflow of the companion or via a wind, the WD accumulates hydrogen or helium rich material which is then burned to C and O onto the WD's surface. However, the specifics of this scenario are far from being understood or defined, allowing for a wealth of theories fighting for attention and a dearth of observations to support them. I discuss the latest attempts to identify and study those controversial SNeIa progenitors. I also introduce the most promising progenitor in hand and I present observational diagnostics that can reveal more members of the category.

Keywords

References

  1. Blondin S, Prieto JL, Patat F, Challis P, Hicken M, et al., A second case of variable Na I D lines in a highly reddened type Ia supernova, ApJ, 693, 207-215 (2009). http://dx.doi.org/10.1088/0004-637X/693/1/207
  2. Drew JE, Hartley LE, Long KS, van der Walt J, QU Car: a very high luminosity nova-like binary with a carbon-enriched companion, MNRAS, 338, 401-411 (2003). http://dx.doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-8711.2003.06059.x
  3. Gilliland RL, Phillips MM, QU Carinae - orbital parameters and spectra for a nova-like variable, ApJ, 261, 617-624 (1982). http://dx.doi.org/10.1086/160372
  4. Hachisu I, Kato M, A limit cycle model for long-term optical variations of V Sagittae: the second example of accretion wind evolution, ApJ, 598, 527-544 (2003). http://dx.doi.org/10.1086/378848
  5. Kafka S, Anderson R, Honeycutt RK, Qu Carinae: a SNeIa progenitor?, AJ, 135, 1649-1656 (2008). http://dx.doi.org/10.1088/0004-6256/135/4/1649
  6. Kafka S, Honeycutt RK, Williams R, QU Carinae: Supernova Ia in the making?, MNRAS, 2012 submitted.
  7. Kerzendorf WE, Schmidt BP, Asplund M, Nomoto K, Podsiadlowski Ph, et al., Subaru high-resolution spectroscopy of Star G in the Tycho supernova remnant, ApJ, 701, 1665-1672 (2009). http://dx.doi.org/10.1088/0004-637X/701/2/1665
  8. Nomoto K, Kondo Y, Conditions for accretion-induced collapse of white dwarfs, ApJ, 367, L19-L22 (1991). http://dx.doi.org/10.1086/185922
  9. Patat F, Chandra P, Chevalier R, Justham S, Podsiadlowski Ph, et al., Detection of circumstellar material in a normal type Ia supernova, Sci, 317, 924-926 (2007). http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/science.1143005
  10. Ruiz-Lapuente P, Comeron F, Mendez J, Canal R, Smartt SJ, et al., The binary progenitor of Tycho Brahe's 1572 supernova, Natur, 431, 1069-1072 (2004). http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/nature03006
  11. Simon JD, Gal-Yam A, Gnat O, Quimby RM, Ganeshalingam M, et al., Variable sodium absorption in a low-extinction type Ia supernova, ApJ, 702, 1157-1170 (2009). http://dx.doi.org/10.1088/0004-637X/702/2/1157
  12. Stephenson CB, Sanduleak N, Schild RE, A new hot, rapid, variable star, ApL, 1, 247-248 (1968).
  13. Williams R, Mason E, Della Valle M, Ederoclite A, Transient heavy element absorption systems in novae: episodic mass ejection from the secondary star, ApJ, 685, 451-462 (2008). http://dx.doi.org/10.1086/590056