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Astronomy. ASASSN-15lh: A highly super-luminous supernova
Subo Dong1, B J Shappee2, J L Prieto3
1Kavli Institute for Astronomy and Astrophysics, Peking University, Yi He Yuan Road 5, Hai Dian District, Beijing 100871, China. dongsubo@pku.edu.cn.
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|January 28, 2016
Summary
Astronomers discovered ASASSN-15lh, the most luminous supernova (SN) observed to date. This extremely bright event challenges current models for super-luminous supernovae (SLSNe-I) and their origins.
Area of Science:
- Astronomy
- Astrophysics
- Cosmology
Background:
- Super-luminous supernovae (SLSNe) are rare, energetic stellar explosions.
- The energy sources and progenitor systems of hydrogen-poor SLSNe (SLSNe-I) remain poorly understood.
- Most known SLSNe-I are found in star-forming dwarf galaxies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the discovery and characterize the unprecedentedly luminous supernova ASASSN-15lh.
- To investigate the nature and potential energy sources of ASASSN-15lh.
- To compare ASASSN-15lh with previously known SLSNe-I and their host galaxies.
Main Methods:
- Photometric and spectroscopic observations of ASASSN-15lh.
- Luminosity and energy calculations based on observed data.
- Host galaxy identification and characterization through astronomical surveys.
Main Results:
- ASASSN-15lh is the most luminous supernova discovered, with a peak absolute magnitude of -23.5.
- Its bolometric luminosity reached (2.2 ± 0.2) × 10^45 ergs/s, more than twice that of any previously known supernova.
- ASASSN-15lh radiated a total energy of (1.1 ± 0.2) × 10^52 ergs within four months.
- The supernova is hosted by a luminous galaxy with minimal star formation, unlike typical SLSNe-I.
Conclusions:
- ASASSN-15lh represents a new class of extremely luminous supernovae.
- Its host galaxy properties challenge conventional understanding of SLSNe-I environments.
- The immense energy output of ASASSN-15lh may necessitate revisions to or alternatives for the magnetar model powering SLSNe-I.
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