A MULTI-WAVELENGTH INVESTIGATION OF THE RADIO-LOUD SUPERNOVA PTF11qcj AND ITS CIRCUMSTELLAR ENVIRONMENT

作者：Corsi A^*; Ofek E O; Gal Yam A; Frail D A; Kulkarni S R; Fox D B; Kasliwal M M; Sullivan M; Horesh A; Carpenter J; Maguire K; Arcavi I; Cenko S B; Cao Y; Mooley K; Pan Y C; Sesar B; Sternberg A; Xu D; Bersier D; James P; Bloom J S; Nugent P E

来源：Astrophysical Journal, 2014, 782(1): 42.

DOI：10.1088/0004-637X/782/1/42

• supernovae: general
• supernovae: individual (PTF11qcj)

We present the discovery, classification, and extensive panchromatic (from radio to X-ray) follow-up observations of PTF11qcj, a supernova (SN) discovered by the Palomar Transient Factory (PTF). Our observations with the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array show that this event is radio-loud: PTF11qcj reached a radio peak luminosity comparable to that of the famous gamma-ray-burst-associated SN 1998bw (L-5 GHz approximate to 10(29) erg s(-1) Hz(-1)). PTF11qcj is also detected in X-rays with the Chandra Observatory, and in the infrared band with Spitzer. Our multi-wavelength analysis probes the SN interaction with circumstellar material. The radio observations suggest a progenitor mass-loss rate of similar to 10(-4) M-circle dot yr(-1) x (v(w)/1000 km s(-1)), and a velocity of approximate to 0.3-0.5 c for the fastest moving ejecta (at approximate to 10 days after explosion). However, these estimates are derived assuming the simplest model of SN ejecta interacting with a smooth circumstellar wind, and do not account for possible inhomogeneities in the medium and asphericity of the explosion. The radio data show deviations from such a simple model, as well as a late-time re-brightening. The X-ray flux from PTF11qcj is compatible with the high-frequency extrapolation of the radio synchrotron emission (within the large uncertainties). A light echo from pre-existing dust is in agreement with our infrared data. Our pre-explosion data from the PTF suggest that a precursor eruption of absolute magnitude M-r approximate to -13 mag may have occurred approximate to 2.5 yr prior to the SN explosion. Overall, PTF11qcj fits the expectations from the explosion of a Wolf-Rayet star. Precursor eruptions may be a feature characterizing the final pre-explosion evolution of such stars.

• 出版日期2014-2-10