An outburst from a massive star 40 days before a supernova explosion.

Area of Science:

• Astronomy and Astrophysics
• Stellar Evolution
• Supernovae

Background:

• Massive stars are theorized to undergo extreme mass-loss episodes preceding supernova explosions.
• Observational evidence for a direct causal link between pre-supernova mass loss and the final explosion is limited.
• Understanding this connection is crucial for studying the final evolutionary stages of massive stars.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish a causal connection between pre-supernova mass-loss events and subsequent supernova explosions.
• To investigate the nature and characteristics of a specific pre-supernova mass-loss event.
• To test theoretical models predicting such phenomena.

Main Methods:

• Observation of the type IIn supernova SN 2010mc (PTF 10tel).
• Acquisition and analysis of photometric and spectroscopic data.
• Temporal analysis of a mass-loss event occurring 40 days prior to the supernova explosion.

Main Results:

• Detection of a significant mass-loss event 40 days before SN 2010mc.
• Characterization of the event as an energetic outburst releasing ~10^-2 solar masses at ~2,000 km/s, with energy ~6x10^47 erg.
• The observed outburst properties align with predictions from the wave-driven pulsation model.

Conclusions:

• The temporal proximity strongly implies a causal relationship between the observed mass-loss and the supernova explosion.
• The findings support the wave-driven pulsation model as an explanation for pre-supernova mass-loss in massive stars.
• This study provides novel insights into the final evolutionary phases of massive stars leading to supernovae.