The Luminous and Carbon-rich Supernova 2006gz: A Double Degenerate Merger?

• Published in: The Astrophysical journal Vol. 669; no. 1; pp. L17 - L20
• Main Authors: Hicken, M, Garnavich, P. M, Prieto, J. L, Blondin, S, DePoy, D. L, Kirshner, R. P, Parrent, J
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Chicago, IL IOP Publishing 01-11-2007; University of Chicago Press
• Subjects: Astronomy; Earth, ocean, space; Exact sciences and technology; Supernovae; supernovae: general; supemovae: individual (SN 2006gz)
• ISSN: 1538-4357; 0004-637X; 1538-4357
• DOI: 10.1086/523301

Spectra and light curves of SN 2006gz show the strongest signature of unburned carbon and one of the slowest fading light curves ever seen in a Type Ia event [ Delta m sub(15)(B) = 0.69 plus or minus 0.04]. The early-time Si II velocity is low, implying it was slowed by an envelope of unburned material. Our best estimate of the luminosity implies M sub(v) = -19.74 and the production of similar to 1.2 M [unk] of super(56)Ni. This suggests a super-Chandrasekhar mass progenitor. A double degenerate merger is consistent with these observations.