A New Population of Highly Energetic Nuclear Transients. Issue Volume 14:Issue S339(2018) (November 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kankare, E.; Kotak, R.; Mattila, S.; Lundqvist, P.
• Editors: Griffin, E.
• Is Part Of: Proceedings of the International Astronomical Union. Volume 14:Issue S339(2018)
• Page Start: 131
• Page End: 134
• Publication Date: 2017-11
• Subjects: Galaxies: Seyfert, -- supernovæ: general, -- accretion, -- black hole physics; Astronomy -- Congresses; Astronomy -- Periodicals; 520
• DOI: 10.1017/S1743921318002387
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1743-9213

Abstract

Abstract: We have identified a new population of luminous, optical, narrow-lined transients (FWHM ∼1000 km s −1 ) coincident with the nuclear region of Seyfert galaxies. According to extensive spectrophotometric follow-ups of the main event (PS1-10adi), we could exclude both normal active galactic nucleus activity and changing-look quasars as the origin. The integrated energy output and spectral evolution over a time-scale of several years point to two possible paths of origin: a tidal disruption of a star by a supermassive black hole, or an extremely energetic supernova occurring within the Seyfert galaxy's narrow-line (or broad-line) region. The former model would require invoking a specific variant of a tidal disruption, while the latter would require an extremely efficient conversion of kinetic energy via shock interaction between the supernova ejecta and the dense ambient medium.