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iPTF16geu: A multiply imaged, gravitationally lensed type Ia supernova
A Goobar1, R Amanullah2, S R Kulkarni3
1Oskar Klein Centre, Department of Physics, Stockholm University, Albanova University Center, SE 106 91 Stockholm, Sweden. ariel@fysik.su.se.
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|April 22, 2017
Summary
Astronomers discovered a lensed type Ia supernova, iPTF16geu, magnified over 50 times by a foreground galaxy. This gravitational lensing event revealed four distinct supernova images, offering insights into galaxy substructures.
Area of Science:
- Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Cosmology
Background:
- Gravitational lensing is a phenomenon where massive objects warp spacetime, bending light from background sources.
- Type Ia supernovae are crucial standard candles for measuring cosmic distances.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the discovery and analysis of a multiply imaged, gravitationally lensed Type Ia supernova (iPTF16geu).
- To investigate the lensing galaxy's substructures using the magnified supernova light.
Main Methods:
- High-spatial-resolution observations were used to resolve multiple images of the supernova.
- Analysis of the relative magnifications of the four lensed images.
Main Results:
- Discovery of iPTF16geu, a gravitationally lensed Type Ia supernova at redshift z = 0.409.
- Observed magnification exceeding 50 times, with four resolved supernova images.
- Probed a physical scale of ~1 kiloparsec, smaller than typical for extragalactic lensing studies.
Conclusions:
- The close alignment between the supernova and lens resulted in significant magnification and symmetric image configuration.
- The relative magnifications provide evidence for substructures within the lensing galaxy.
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