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An unusually brilliant transient in the galaxy M85
S R Kulkarni1, E O Ofek, A Rau
1Caltech Optical Observatories, California Institute of Technology, California 91125, USA. srk@astro.caltech.edu
Nature
|May 25, 2007
Summary
Astronomers discovered a bright optical transient, M85 OT2006-1, in the Messier 85 galaxy. This stellar merger event is brighter than novae but fainter than supernovae, offering new insights into stellar evolution.
Area of Science:
- Astronomy
- Astrophysics
- Cosmic Transients
Background:
- Variable and transient astronomical sources offer novel perspectives on the universe.
- Lenticular galaxies, like Messier 85, are typically populated by older stars, making unusual transient events noteworthy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the discovery and initial characterization of a significant optical transient, M85 OT2006-1.
- To investigate the nature and potential origin of this unusual celestial event.
Main Methods:
- Observation of an optical transient in the Messier 85 galaxy.
- Analysis of its peak absolute R magnitude and energy output.
- Comparison with known astronomical transients like novae and supernovae.
- Examination of archival images to exclude possibilities like luminous blue variable star eruptions.
Main Results:
- Discovery of M85 OT2006-1, an optical transient in Messier 85.
- Peak absolute R magnitude of -12, brighter than novae, fainter than Type Ia supernovae.
- Total radiated energy of approximately 10^47 erg over two months.
- Transient faded optically after its peak.
- Event is six times more luminous than a similar transient in M31.
Conclusions:
- M85 OT2006-1 is a unique transient event, distinct from typical stellar explosions.
- A stellar merger is a plausible explanation for the observed properties.
- Further searches for similar events can illuminate hyper-Eddington sources and stellar binary evolution.
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