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A very faint core-collapse supernova in M85
A Pastorello1, M Della Valle, S J Smartt
1Astrophysics Research Centre, School of Mathematics and Physics, Queen's University Belfast, Belfast BT7 1NN, UK. a.pastorello@qub.ac.uk
Nature
|October 19, 2007
Summary
A rare, faint transient event in the Messier 85 galaxy was observed. This extremely low-luminosity supernova may be the faintest ever discovered, challenging current astronomical understanding.
Area of Science:
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Transient Astronomical Events
- Galaxy Evolution
Background:
- Discovery of an anomalous transient event in the lenticular galaxy Messier 85 (M85) in the Virgo cluster on January 7, 2006.
- The transient exhibited very low luminosity (peak absolute R-band magnitude M(R) ≈ -12), remained constant for over 80 days, and displayed a red color and narrow spectral lines.
Discussion:
- Observed characteristics are inconsistent with known classes of transient astronomical events.
- Kulkarni et al. proposed an exotic stellar merger as a potential origin for the transient.
- An alternative hypothesis suggests the transient was an extremely low-luminosity Type II-plateau supernova in a galaxy with residual star-forming activity.
Key Insights:
- The transient in M85 presents unique observational properties, including its faintness and prolonged stability.
- It challenges existing models for stellar explosions and transient phenomena.
- This event could represent the faintest supernova ever detected.
Outlook:
- Further investigation is needed to definitively classify this anomalous transient.
- This discovery may necessitate revisions to supernova models or the understanding of stellar mergers.
- Continued observation of similar events could reveal new astrophysical processes.
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