Calculating Pre-SN Mass-Loss Histories from Post-Explosion Observations and the Special Case of SN 2006gy. Issue Volume 11:Issue A29B(2015) (27th October 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Fox, Ori D.
• Editors: Benvenuti, Piero
• Is Part Of: Proceedings of the International Astronomical Union. Volume 11:Issue A29B(2015)
• Page Start: 452
• Page End: 453
• Publication Date: 2016-10-27
• Subjects: Astronomy -- Congresses; Astronomy -- Periodicals; 520
• DOI: 10.1017/S1743921316005792
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1743-9213

Abstract

Abstract: A growing number of SNe now show evidence for significant interaction between the forward shock and a pre-existing circumstellar medium (CSM) formed by the pre-SN mass-loss. The SN community likes to argue that it can indirectly constrain the progenitor systems for these SNe by measuring the wind speeds, densities, compositions, and asymmetries of the CSM. The measurements, however, rely on a number of assumptions and can result in degeneracies that straddle the divide between RSGs and more massive stars. Furthermore, the implications of the measured properties may sometimes be simplified to fit a SN expert's relatively basic understanding of stellar wind parameters. Given the opportunity to have experts in massive stars, cool stars, and supernovae together in the same room, I thought it would be a good opportunity to review the different methods employed by the SN community to measure mass-loss rates. I will then provide an update from a recent Spitzer survey on the measured CSM properties from different subclasses of SNe with known shock interaction (including SLSNe, SNe II, IIn, Ibc, and even Ia-CSM). Finally, I will present new HST data on the SLSN Type IIn SN 2006gy and discuss the implications on the progenitor system and pre-SN mass-loss.