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We present statistical analysis of video meteor observations for the Perseid and Geminid showers taken with two camera systems operating in Hungary from the end of 2019 through 2023. Zenithal hourly rates (ZHR) and meteor fluxes, determined by MetRec-based analog video cameras HUKON, HUPIS and HUHOD, are inferred and compared with detections of slow fireballs measured at the same sites by a system consisting of automated DSLR cameras (the KoMON system)., Comment: 7 pages, accepted for publication in WGN, Journal of the International Meteor Organization (IMO)

The progenitor system(s) as well as the explosion mechanism(s) of thermonuclear (Type Ia) supernovae are long-standing issues in astrophysics. Here we present ejecta masses and other physical parameters for 28 recent Type Ia supernovae inferred from multiband photometric and optical spectroscopic data. Our results confirm that the majority of SNe Ia show {\it observable} ejecta masses below the Chandrasekhar-limit (having a mean $M_{\rm ej} \approx 1.1 \pm 0.3$ M$_\odot$), consistent with the predictions of recent sub-M$_{\rm Ch}$ explosion models. They are compatible with models assuming either single- or double-degenerate progenitor configurations. We also recover a sub-sample of supernovae within $1.2 $ M$_\odot$ $< M_{\rm {ej}} < 1.5$ M$_\odot$ that are consistent with near-Chandrasekhar explosions. Taking into account the uncertainties of the inferred ejecta masses, about half of our SNe are compatible with both explosion models. We compare our results with those in previous studies, and discuss the caveats and concerns regarding the applied methodology.

The reactivated Near-Earth Object Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (NEOWISE-R) serendipitously caught the Type II supernova SN 2023ixf in Messier 101 on the rise, starting day 3.6 through day 10.9, and on the late-time decline from days 211 through 213 and days 370 through 372. We have considered these mid-infrared (mid-IR) data together with observations from the ultraviolet (UV) through the near-IR, when possible. At day 3.6 we approximated the optical emission with a hot, ~26,630 K blackbody, with a notable UV excess likely from strong SN shock interaction with circumstellar matter (CSM). In the IR, however, a clear excess is also obvious, and we fit it with a cooler, ~1,620 K blackbody with radius of ~2.6 x 10^{15} cm, consistent with dust in the progenitor's circumstellar shell likely heated by the UV emission from the CSM interaction. On day 10.8, the light detected was consistent with SN ejecta-dominated emission. At late times we also observed a clear NEOWISE-R excess, which could arise either from newly formed dust in the inner ejecta or in the contact discontinuity between the forward and reverse shocks, or from more distant pre-existing dust grains in the SN environment. Furthermore, the large 4.6 micron excess at late times can also be explained by the emergence of the carbon monoxide 1--0 vibrational band. SN 2023ixf is the best-observed SN IIP in the mid-IR during the first several days after explosion and one of the most luminous such SNe ever seen., Comment: 22 pages, 8 figures, submitted to AAS Journals

Here we present a continuation of the work that was based on video observations of the Tau Her 2022 outburst from the McDonald Observatory, Texas, US. On the night of the maximum in 2022 we detected 626 individual Tau Her meteors, for which we estimated photovisual magnitudes and analysed their distribution on the sky to determine the radiant position in an innovative way. The derived population index is $5.56 \pm 1.83$, while the radiant position for the mid-time of the observations is: $\mathrm{RA} = 209.71 ^\circ \pm 1.01 ^\circ$, $\mathrm{Dec} = 27.73 ^\circ \pm 0.07 ^\circ$. Both measurements are in good agreement with other results in the literature, although our population index seems to be higher than most of the published values. We speculate this might be due to the higher sensitivity of our equipment to fainter meteors.

As part of an intensive effort to observe the predicted 2022 Tau Herculids outburst, we recorded almost 800 individual meteor streaks on May 30th and 31st, 2022, using a high-sensitivity Sony~$\alpha$7 camera. The video recordings were obtained under perfect conditions at the McDonald Observatory, Texas, USA. The meteor sample is dominated by the predicted Tau Herculids shower, however, we also noted significant activity of sporadic meteors and other possible weak showers. We found that the time of the maximum activity matched very well the predictions, while we note the large fraction of faint meteors that were not detectable visually. We determined the radiant, and the time evolution of the activities and currently we are working on the determination of the brightness statistics.

We present the semi-analytical light curve modelling of 13 supernovae associated with gamma-ray bursts (GRB-SNe) along with two relativistic broad-lined (Ic-BL) SNe without GRBs association (SNe 2009bb and 2012ap), considering millisecond magnetars as central-engine-based power sources for these events. The bolometric light curves of all 15 SNe in our sample are well-regenerated utilising a $\chi^2-$minimisation code, $\texttt{MINIM}$, and numerous parameters are constrained. The median values of ejecta mass ($M_{\textrm{ej}}$), magnetar's initial spin period ($P_\textrm{i}$) and magnetic field ($B$) for GRB-SNe are determined to be $\approx$ 5.2 M$_\odot$, 20.5 ms and 20.1 $\times$ 10$^{14}$ G, respectively. We leverage machine learning (ML) algorithms to comprehensively compare the 3-dimensional parameter space encompassing $M_{\textrm{ej}}$, $P_\textrm{i}$, and $B$ for GRB-SNe determined herein to those of H-deficient superluminous SNe (SLSNe-I), fast blue optical transients (FBOTs), long GRBs (LGRBs), and short GRBs (SGRBs) obtained from the literature. The application of unsupervised ML clustering algorithms on the parameters $M_{\textrm{ej}}$, $P_\textrm{i}$, and $B$ for GRB-SNe, SLSNe-I, and FBOTs yields a classification accuracy of $\sim$95%. Extending these methods to classify GRB-SNe, SLSNe-I, LGRBs, and SGRBs based on $P_\textrm{i}$ and $B$ values results in an accuracy of $\sim$84%. Our investigations show that GRB-SNe and relativistic Ic-BL SNe presented in this study occupy different parameter spaces for $M_{\textrm{ej}}$, $P_\textrm{i}$, and $B$ than those of SLSNe-I, FBOTs, LGRBs and SGRBs. This indicates that magnetars with different $P_\textrm{i}$ and $B$ can give birth to distinct types of transients., Comment: 13 pages, 7 figures, and 3 tables (including appendix). Accepted for publication in MNRAS

Context. Gaia18cjb is one of the Gaia-alerted eruptive young star candidates which has been experiencing a slow and strong brightening during the last 13 years, similar to some FU Orionis-type objects. Aims. The aim of this work is to derive the young stellar nature of Gaia18cjb, determine its physical and accretion properties to classify its variability. Methods. We conducted monitoring observations using multi-filter optical and near-infrared photometry, as well as near-infrared spectroscopy. We present the analysis of pre-outburst and outburst optical and infrared light curves, color-magnitude diagrams in different bands, the detection of near-IR spectral lines, and estimates of both stellar and accretion parameters during the burst. Results. The optical light curve shows an unusually long (8 years) brightening event of 5 mag in the last 13 years, before reaching a plateau indicating that the burst is still on-going, suggesting a FUor-like nature. The same outburst is less strong in the infrared light curves. The near-infrared spectra, obtained during the outburst, exhibit emission lines typical of highly accreting low-intermediate mass young stars with typical EXor features. The spectral index of Gaia18cjb SED classifies it as a Class I in the pre-burst stage and a Flat Spectrum young stellar object (YSO) during the burst. Conclusions. Gaia18cjb is an eruptive YSO which shows FUor-like photometric features (in terms of brightening amplitude and length of the burst) and EXor-like spectroscopic features and accretion rate, as V350 Cep and V1647 Ori, classified as objects in between FUors and EXors, Comment: 21 pages, 13 figures

We present statistical analysis of visual meteor data taken with networks of meteor cameras operating in Hungary between 2020 and 2023. We use three different camera systems: a set of traditional MetRec-based video cameras, a self-developed automated DSLR camera system and a network of newly installed AllSky7 camera stations. Similarities and differences between the data produced by the three systems, aimed at recording different types of meteor phenomena, are presented and discussed., Comment: accepted for publication in WGN, the Journal of the International Meteor Organization (IMO)

Supernova (SN) 2023ixf was discovered on May 19th, 2023. The host galaxy, M101, was observed by the Hobby Eberly Telescope Dark Energy Experiment (HETDEX) collaboration over the period April 30, 2020 -- July 10, 2020, using the Visible Integral-field Replicable Unit Spectrograph (VIRUS; $3470\lesssim\lambda\lesssim5540$ \r{A}) on the 10-m Hobby-Eberly Telescope (HET). The fiber filling factor within $\pm$ 30 arcsec of SN 2023ixf is 80% with a spatial resolution of 1 arcsec. The r<5.5 arcsec surroundings are 100% covered. This allows us to analyze the spatially resolved pre-explosion local environments of SN 2023ixf with nebular emission lines. The 2-dimensional (2D) maps of the extinction and the star-formation rate (SFR) surface density ($\Sigma_{\rm SFR}$) show weak increasing trends in the radial distributions within the r<5.5 arcsec regions, suggesting lower values of extinction and SFR in the vicinity of the progenitor of SN 2023ixf. The median extinction and that of the surface density of SFR within r<3 arcsec are $E(B-V)=0.06\pm0.14$, and $\Sigma_{\rm SFR}=10^{-5.44\pm0.66}~\rm M_{\odot}\cdot yr^{-1}\cdot arcsec^{-2}$. There is no significant change in extinction before and after the explosion. The gas metallicity does not change significantly with the separation from SN 2023ixf. The metal-rich branch of the $R_{23}$ calculations indicates that the gas metallicity around SN 2023ixf is similar to the solar metallicity ($\sim Z_{\odot}$). The archival deep images from the Canada-France-Hawaii Telescope Legacy Survey (CFHTLS) show a clear detection of the progenitor of SN 2023ixf in the $z$-band at $22.778\pm0.063$ mag, but non-detections in the remaining four bands of CFHTLS ($u,g,r,i$). The results suggest a massive progenitor of $\approx$ 22 $M_\odot$., Comment: 11 pages, 5 figures, Accepted by ApJL

A Tidal Disruption Event (TDE) occurs when a supermassive black hole tidally disrupt a nearby passing star. The fallback accretion rate of the disrupted star may exceed the Eddington limit, which induces a supersonic outflow and a burst of luminosity, similar to an explosive event. Thus, TDEs can be detected as very luminous transients, and the number of observations for such events is increasing rapidly. In this paper we fit 20 TDE light curves with TiDE, a new public, object-oriented code designed to model optical TDE light curves. We compare our results with those obtained by the popular MOSFiT and the recently developed TDEmass codes, and discuss the possible sources of differences., Comment: 14 pages, 4 figures, 4 tables, accepted in PASP

We present the photometric and spectroscopic evolution of SN 2022oqm, a nearby multi-peaked hydrogen- and helium-weak calcium-rich transient (CaRT). SN 2022oqm was detected 13.1 kpc from its host galaxy, the face-on spiral galaxy NGC 5875. Extensive spectroscopic coverage reveals an early hot (T >= 40,000 K) continuum and carbon features observed $\sim$1~day after discovery, SN Ic-like photospheric-phase spectra, and strong forbidden calcium emission starting 38 days after discovery. SN 2022oqm has a relatively high peak luminosity (MB = -17 mag) for (CaRTs), making it an outlier in the population. We determine that three power sources are necessary to explain the light curve (LC), with each corresponding to a distinct peak. The first peak is powered by an expanding blackbody with a power law luminosity, suggesting shock cooling by circumstellar material (CSM). Subsequent LC evolution is powered by a double radioactive decay model, consistent with two sources of photons diffusing through optically thick ejecta. From the LC, we derive an ejecta mass and 56Ni mass of ~0.6 solar masses and ~0.09 solar masses. Spectroscopic modeling suggests 0.6 solar masses of ejecta, and with well-mixed Fe-peak elements throughout. We discuss several physical origins for SN 2022oqm and find either a surprisingly massive white dwarf progenitor or a peculiar stripped envelope model could explain SN 2022oqm. A stripped envelope explosion inside a dense, hydrogen- and helium-poor CSM, akin to SNe Icn, but with a large 56Ni mass and small CSM mass could explain SN 2022oqm. Alternatively, helium detonation on an unexpectedly massive white dwarf could also explain SN 2022oqm., Comment: 35 pages, 17 figures, 7 tables, Accepted for Publication in ApJ

Nebular-phase observations of peculiar Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) provide important constraints on progenitor scenarios and explosion dynamics for both these rare SNe and the more common, cosmologically useful SNe Ia. We present observations from an extensive ground-based and space-based follow-up campaign to characterize SN 2022pul, a "super-Chandrasekhar" mass SN Ia (alternatively "03fg-like" SN), from before peak brightness to well into the nebular phase across optical to mid-infrared (MIR) wavelengths. The early rise of the light curve is atypical, exhibiting two distinct components, consistent with SN Ia ejecta interacting with dense carbon-oxygen rich circumstellar material (CSM). In the optical, SN 2022pul is most similar to SN 2012dn, having a low estimated peak luminosity ($M_{B}=-18.9$ mag) and high photospheric velocity relative to other 03fg-like SNe. In the nebular phase, SN 2022pul adds to the increasing diversity of the 03fg-like subclass. From 168 to 336 days after peak $B$-band brightness, SN 2022pul exhibits asymmetric and narrow emission from [O I] $\lambda\lambda 6300,\ 6364$ (${\rm FWHM} \approx 2{,}000$ km s$^{-1}$), strong, broad emission from [Ca II] $\lambda\lambda 7291,\ 7323$ (${\rm FWHM} \approx 7{,}300$ km s$^{-1}$), and a rapid Fe III to Fe II ionization change. Finally, we present the first-ever optical-to-mid-infrared (MIR) nebular spectrum of an 03fg-like SN Ia using data from JWST. In the MIR, strong lines of neon and argon, weak emission from stable nickel, and strong thermal dust emission (with $T \approx 500$ K), combined with prominent [O I] in the optical, suggest that SN 2022pul was produced by a white dwarf merger within carbon/oxygen-rich CSM., Comment: 23 pages, 11 figures, submitted to ApJ

We present an analysis of ground-based and JWST observations of SN~2022pul, a peculiar "03fg-like" (or "super-Chandrasekhar") Type Ia supernova (SN Ia), in the nebular phase at 338d post explosion. Our combined spectrum continuously covers 0.4--14 $\mu$m and includes the first mid-infrared spectrum of an 03fg-like SN Ia. Compared to normal SN Ia 2021aefx, SN 2022pul exhibits a lower mean ionization state, asymmetric emission-line profiles, stronger emission from the intermediate-mass elements (IMEs) argon and calcium, weaker emission from iron-group elements (IGEs), and the first unambiguous detection of neon in a SN Ia. Strong, broad, centrally peaked [Ne II] line at 12.81 $\mu$m was previously predicted as a hallmark of "violent merger'' SN Ia models, where dynamical interaction between two sub-$M_{ch}$ white dwarfs (WDs) causes disruption of the lower mass WD and detonation of the other. The violent merger scenario was already a leading hypothesis for 03fg-like SNe Ia; in SN 2022pul it can explain the large-scale ejecta asymmetries seen between the IMEs and IGEs and the central location of narrow oxygen and broad neon. We modify extant models to add clumping of the ejecta to better reproduce the optical iron emission, and add mass in the innermost region ($< 2000$ km s$^{-1}$) to account for the observed narrow [O I]~$\lambda\lambda6300$, 6364 emission. A violent WD-WD merger explains many of the observations of SN 2022pul, and our results favor this model interpretation for the subclass of 03fg-like SN Ia., Comment: 20 pages, 10 figures, published in ApJ

We present cosmological analysis of 12 nearby ($z<0.06$) Type IIP supernovae (SNe IIP) observed with the ROTSE-IIIb telescope. To achieve precise photometry, we present a new image differencing technique that is implemented for the first time on the ROTSE SN photometry pipeline. With this method, we find up to a 20\% increase in the detection efficiency and significant reduction in residual RMS scatter of the SN lightcurves when compared to the previous pipeline performance. We use the published optical spectra and broadband photometry of well studied SNe IIP to establish temporal models for ejecta velocity and photospheric temperature evolution for our SNe IIP population. This study yields measurements that are competitive to other methods even when the data are limited to a single epoch during the photospheric phase of SNe IIP. Using the fully reduced ROTSE photometry and optical spectra, we apply these models to the respective photometric epochs for each SN in the ROTSE IIP sample. This facilitates the use of the Expanding Photosphere Method (EPM) to obtain distance estimates to their respective host galaxies. We then perform cosmological parameter fitting using these EPM distances from which we measure the Hubble constant to be $72.9^{+5.7}_{-4.3}~{\rm kms^{-1}~Mpc^{-1}}$, which is consistent with the standard $\Lambda CDM$ model values derived using other independent techniques., Comment: 19 pages, 13 figures

We present the discovery of the Type II supernova SN 2023ixf in M101 and follow-up photometric and spectroscopic observations, respectively, in the first month and week of its evolution. Our discovery was made within a day of estimated first light, and the following light curve is characterized by a rapid rise ($\approx5$ days) to a luminous peak ($M_V\approx-18.2$ mag) and plateau ($M_V\approx-17.6$ mag) extending to $30$ days with a fast decline rate of $\approx0.03$ mag day$^{-1}$. During the rising phase, $U-V$ color shows blueward evolution, followed by redward evolution in the plateau phase. Prominent flash features of hydrogen, helium, carbon, and nitrogen dominate the spectra up to $\approx5$ days after first light, with a transition to a higher ionization state in the first $\approx2$ days. Both the $U-V$ color and flash ionization states suggest a rise in the temperature, indicative of a delayed shock breakout inside dense circumstellar material (CSM). From the timescales of CSM interaction, we estimate its compact radial extent of $\sim(3-7)\times10^{14}$ cm. We then construct numerical light-curve models based on both continuous and eruptive mass-loss scenarios shortly before explosion. For the continuous mass-loss scenario, we infer a range of mass-loss history with $0.1-1.0\,M_\odot\,{\rm yr}^{-1}$ in the final $2-1$ yr before explosion, with a potentially decreasing mass loss of $0.01-0.1\,M_\odot\,{\rm yr}^{-1}$ in $\sim0.7-0.4$ yr toward the explosion. For the eruptive mass-loss scenario, we favor eruptions releasing $0.3-1\,M_\odot$ of the envelope at about a year before explosion, which result in CSM with mass and extent similar to the continuous scenario. We discuss the implications of the available multiwavelength constraints obtained thus far on the progenitor candidate and SN 2023ixf to our variable CSM models., Comment: Updated to match the published letter in ApJL, 2023 September 19

The nearby spiral galaxy NGC 3147 hosted three Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) in the past decades, which have been subjects of intense follow-up observations. Simultaneous analysis of their data provides a unique opportunity for testing the different light curve fitting methods and distance estimations. The detailed optical follow-up of SN 2021hpr allows us to revise the previous distance estimations to NGC 3147, and compare the widely used light curve fitting algorithms to each other. After the combination of the available and newly published data of SN 2021hpr, its physical properties can be also estimated with higher accuracy. We present and analyse new BVgriz and Swift photometry of SN 2021hpr to constrain its general physical properties. Together with its siblings, SNe 1997bq and 2008fv, we cross-compare the individual distance estimates of these three SNe given by the SALT code, and also check their consistency with the results from the MLCS2k2 method. The early spectral series of SN 2021hpr are also fit with the radiative spectral code TARDIS in order to verify the explosion properties and constrain the chemical distribution of the outer ejecta. After combining the distance estimates for the three SNe, the mean distance to their host galaxy, NGC 3127, is 42.5 $\pm$ 1.0 Mpc, which matches with the distance inferred by the most up-to-date LC fitters, SALT3 and BayeSN. We confirm that SN~2021hpr is a Branch-normal Type Ia SN that ejected $\sim 1.12 \pm 0.28$ M$_\odot$ from its progenitor white dwarf, and synthesized $\sim 0.44 \pm 0.14$ M$_\odot$ of radioactive $^{56}$Ni., Comment: 16 pages, 17 figures, 11 tables; accepted for publication in A&A

The LIGO HET Response (LIGHETR) project is an enterprise to follow up optical transients (OT) discovered as gravitational wave merger sources by the LIGO/Virgo collaboration (LVC). Early spectroscopy has the potential to constrain crucial parameters such as the aspect angle. The LIGHETR collaboration also includes the capacity to model the spectroscopic evolution of mergers to facilitate a real-time direct comparison of models with our data. The principal facility is the Hobby-Eberly Telescope. LIGHETR uses the massively-replicated VIRUS array of spectrographs to search for associated OTs and obtain early blue spectra and in a complementary role, the low-resolution LRS-2 spectrograph is used to obtain spectra of viable candidates as well as a densely-sampled series of spectra of true counterparts. Once an OT is identified, the anticipated cadence of spectra would match or considerably exceed anything achieved for GW170817 = AT2017gfo for which there were no spectra in the first 12 hours and thereafter only roughly once daily. We describe special HET-specific software written to facilitate the program and attempts to determine the flux limits to undetected sources. We also describe our campaign to follow up OT candidates during the third observational campaign of the LIGO and Virgo Scientific Collaborations. We obtained VIRUS spectroscopy of candidate galaxy hosts for 5 LVC gravitational wave events and LRS-2 spectra of one candidate for the OT associated with S190901ap. We identified that candidate, ZTF19abvionh = AT2019pip, as a possible Wolf-Rayet star in an otherwise unrecognized nearby dwarf galaxy., Comment: 26 pages, 15 figures

We present the optical spectroscopic evolution of SN~2023ixf seen in sub-night cadence spectra from 1.18 to 14 days after explosion. We identify high-ionization emission features, signatures of interaction with material surrounding the progenitor star, that fade over the first 7 days, with rapid evolution between spectra observed within the same night. We compare the emission lines present and their relative strength to those of other supernovae with early interaction, finding a close match to SN~2020pni and SN~2017ahn in the first spectrum and SN~2014G at later epochs. To physically interpret our observations we compare them to CMFGEN models with confined, dense circumstellar material around a red supergiant progenitor from the literature. We find that very few models reproduce the blended \NC{} emission lines observed in the first few spectra and their rapid disappearance thereafter, making this a unique diagnostic. From the best models, we find a mass-loss rate of $10^{-3}-10^{-2}$ \mlunit{}, which far exceeds the mass-loss rate for any steady wind, especially for a red supergiant in the initial mass range of the detected progenitor. These mass-loss rates are, however, similar to rates inferred for other supernovae with early circumstellar interaction. Using the phase when the narrow emission features disappear, we calculate an outer dense radius of circumstellar material $R_\mathrm{CSM, out}\sim5\times10^{14}~\mathrm{cm}$ and a mean circumstellar material density of $\rho=5.6\times10^{-14}~\mathrm{g\,cm^{-3}}$. This is consistent with the lower limit on the outer radius of the circumstellar material we calculate from the peak \Halpha{} emission flux, $R_\text{CSM, out}\gtrsim9\times10^{13}~\mathrm{cm}$., Comment: Published in ApJL

Since the discovery of the first double neutron star (DNS) system, the number of these exotic binaries has reached fifteen. Here we investigate a channel of DNS formation in binary systems with components above the mass limit of type II supernova explosion (SN II), i.e. 8 MSun. We apply a spherically symmetric homologous envelope expansion model to account for mass loss, and follow the dynamical evolution of the system numerically with a high-precision integrator. The first SN occurs in a binary system whose orbital parameters are pre-defined, then, the homologous expansion model is applied again in the newly formed system. Analysing 1 658 880 models we find that DNS formation via subsequent SN II explosions requires a fine-tuning of the initial parameters. Our model can explain DNS systems with a separation greater than 2.95 au. The eccentricity of the DNS systems spans a wide range thanks to the orbital circularisation effect due to the second SN II explosion. The eccentricity of the DNS is sensitive to the initial eccentricity of the binary progenitor and the orbital position of the system preceding the second explosion. In agreement with the majority of the observations of DNS systems, we find the system centre-of mass velocities to be less than 60 km/s. Neutron stars that become unbound in either explosion gain a peculiar velocity in the range of 0.02 - 240 km/s. In our model, the formation of tight DNS systems requires a post-explosion orbit-shrinking mechanism, possibly driven by the ejected envelopes., Comment: Accepted for publication in MNRAS

We infer initial masses of the synthesized radioactive nickel-56 in a sample of recent Type Ia supernovae applying a new formalism introduced recently by Khatami & Kasen (2019). It is shown that the nickel masses we derive do not differ significantly from previous estimates based on the traditional Arnett-model. We derive the $\beta$ parameter for our sample SNe and show that these are consistent with the fiducial value of $\sim 1.6$ given by Khatami & Kasen (2019) from SN Ia hydrodynamical simulations., Comment: 7 pages, 6 figures, published in PASP

We present the densely sampled early light curve of the Type II supernova (SN) 2023ixf, first observed within hours of explosion in the nearby Pinwheel Galaxy (Messier 101; 6.7 Mpc). Comparing these data to recently updated models of shock-cooling emission, we find that the progenitor likely had a radius of $410 \pm 10\ R_\odot$. Our estimate is model dependent but consistent with a red supergiant. These models provide a good fit to the data starting about 1 day after the explosion, despite the fact that the classification spectrum shows signatures of circumstellar material around SN 2023ixf during that time. Photometry during the first day after the explosion, provided almost entirely by amateur astronomers, does not agree with the shock-cooling models or a simple power-law rise fit to data after 1 day. We consider the possible causes of this discrepancy, including precursor activity from the progenitor star, circumstellar interaction, and emission from the shock before or after it breaks out of the stellar surface. The very low luminosity ($-11\mathrm{\ mag} > M > -14\mathrm{\ mag}$) and short duration of the initial excess lead us to prefer a scenario related to prolonged emission from the SN shock traveling through the progenitor system., Comment: updated to match accepted version

The progenitor system of Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) is expected to be a close binary system of a carbon/oxygen white dwarf (WD) and a non-degenerate star or another WD. Here, we present results from a high-cadence monitoring observation of SN 2021hpr in a spiral galaxy, NGC 3147, and constraints on the progenitor system based on its early multi-color light curve data. First, we classify SN 2021hpr as a normal SN Ia from its long-term photometric and spectroscopic data. More interestingly, we found a significant "early excess" in the light curve over a simple power-law $\sim t^{2}$ evolution. The early light curve evolves from blue to red and blue during the first week. To explain this, we fitted the early part of $BVRI$-band light curves with a two-component model of the ejecta-companion interaction and a simple power-law model. The early excess and its color can be explained by shock cooling emission due to a companion star having a radius of $8.84\pm0.58$$R_{\odot}$. We also examined HST pre-explosion images with no detection of a progenitor candidate, consistent with the above result. However, we could not detect signs of a significant amount of the stripped mass from a non-degenerate companion star ($\lesssim0.003\,M_{\odot}$ for H$\alpha$ emission). The early excess light in the multi-band light curve supports a non-degenerate companion in the progenitor system of SN 2021hpr. At the same time, the non-detection of emission lines opens a door for other methods to explain this event., Comment: 26 pages, 13 figures + appendix, Accepted for publication in ApJ

A tidal disruption event (TDE) occurs when a supermassive black hole disrupts a nearby passing star by tidal forces. The subsequent fallback accretion of the stellar debris results in a luminous transient outburst. Modeling the light curve of such an event may reveal important information, for example the mass of the central black hole. This paper presents the TiDE software based on semi-analytic modeling of TDEs. This object-oriented code contains different models for the accretion rate and the fallback timescale $t_{\rm min}$. We compare the resulting accretion rates to each other and with hydrodynamically simulated ones and find convincing agreement for full disruptions. We present a set of parameters estimated with TiDE for the well-observed TDE candidate AT2019qiz, and compare our results with those given by the MOSFiT code. Most of the parameters are in reasonable agreement, except for the mass and the radiative efficiency of the black hole, both of which depend heavily on the adopted fallback accretion rate., Comment: 17 pages, 12 figures, 2 tables, accepted in PASP

We present photometric and spectroscopic observations of the extraordinary gamma-ray burst (GRB) 221009A in search of an associated supernova. Some past GRBs have shown bumps in the optical light curve that coincide with the emergence of supernova spectral features, but we do not detect any significant light curve features in GRB~221009A, nor do we detect any clear sign of supernova spectral features. Using two well-studied GRB-associated supernovae (SN~2013dx, $M_{r,max} = -19.54$; SN~2016jca, $M_{r,max} = -19.04$) at a similar redshift as GRB~221009A ($z=0.151$), we modeled how the emergence of a supernova would affect the light curve. If we assume the GRB afterglow to decay at the same rate as the X-ray data, the combination of afterglow and a supernova component is fainter than the observed GRB brightness. For the case where we assume the best-fit power law to the optical data as the GRB afterglow component, a supernova contribution should have created a clear bump in the light curve, assuming only extinction from the Milky Way. If we assume a higher extinction of $E(B-V)$=$1.74$ mag (as has been suggested elsewhere), the supernova contribution would have been hard to detect, with a limit on the associated supernova of $M_{r,max} \approx-$19.54. We do not observe any clear supernova features in our spectra, which were taken around the time of expected maximum light. The lack of a bright supernova associated with GRB~221009A may indicate that the energy from the explosion is mostly concentrated in the jet, leaving a lower energy budget available for the supernova., Comment: 19 pages, 8 figures, 4 tables, accepted for publication in ApJL

Discoveries of planet- and stellar remnant-hosting pulsars challenge our understanding as the violent supernova explosion that forms the pulsar presumably destabilizes the system. Type II supernova explosions lead to the formation of eccentric bound systems, free-floating planets, neutron stars, pulsars, and white dwarfs. Analytical and numerical studies of high mass-loss rate systems based on perturbation theory so far have focused mainly on planet-star systems. In this paper, we extend our understanding of the fate of planet-star and binary systems by assuming a homologous envelope expansion model using a plausible ejection velocity ($1000-10000\,\mathrm{km/s}$), envelope- and neutron star masses. The investigation covers secondary masses of 1-10MJup for planetary, and 1-20MSun for stellar companions. We conduct and analyze over 2.5 million simulations assuming different semi-major axes (2.23 - 100au), eccentricities (0-0.8), and true-anomalies (0-2pi) for the companion. In a homologous expansion scenario, we confirm that the most probable outcome of the explosion is the destabilization of the system, while the retention of a bound system requires a highly eccentric primordial orbit. In general, a higher ejecta velocity results in a lower eccentricity orbit independent of secondary mass. The explanation of close-in pulsar planets requires exotic formation scenarios, rather than survival through the type II supernova explosion model. Post-explosion bound star systems gain a peculiar velocity (<100\,km/s), even though the explosion model is symmetric. The applied numerical model allows us to derive velocity components for dissociating systems. The peculiar velocities of free-floating planets and stellar corpses are in the range of 10^-6-275km/s., Comment: Accepted for publication in ApJ (proofread)

Gaia19fct is one of the Gaia-alerted eruptive young stars that has undergone several brightening events. We conducted monitoring observations using multi-filter optical and near-infrared photometry, as well as near-infrared spectroscopy, to understand the physical properties of Gaia19fct and investigate whether it fits into the historically defined two classes. We present the analyses of light curves, color variations, spectral lines, and CO modeling. The light curves show at least five brightening events since 2015, and the multi-filter color evolutions are mostly gray. The gray evolution indicates that bursts are triggered by mechanisms other than extinction. Our near-infrared spectra exhibit both absorption and emission lines and show time-variability throughout our observations. We found lower rotational velocity and lower temperature from the near-infrared atomic absorption lines than from the optical lines, suggesting that Gaia19fct has a Keplerian rotating disk. The CO overtone features show a superposition of absorption and emission components, which is unlike other young stellar objects. We modeled the CO lines, and the result suggests that the emission and absorption components are formed in different regions. We found that although Gaia19fct exhibits characteristics of both types of eruptive young stars, FU Orionis-type objects (FUors) and EX Lupi-type objects (EXors), it shows more similarity with EXors in general., Comment: 29 pages, 14 figures, 7 tables, Accepted for publication in ApJ

Detecting gravitationally lensed supernovae is among the biggest challenges in astronomy. It involves a combination of two very rare phenomena: catching the transient signal of a stellar explosion in a distant galaxy and observing it through a nearly perfectly aligned foreground galaxy that deflects light towards the observer. High-cadence optical observations with the Zwicky Transient Facility, with an unparalleled large field of view, led to the detection of a multiply-imaged Type Ia supernova (SN Ia), ``SN Zwicky", a.k.a. SN 2022qmx. Magnified nearly twenty-five times, the system was found thanks to the ``standard candle" nature of SNe Ia. High-spatial resolution imaging with the Keck telescope resolved four images of the supernova with very small angular separation, corresponding to an Einstein radius of only $\theta_E =0.167"$ and almost identical arrival times. The small $\theta_E$ and faintness of the lensing galaxy is very unusual, highlighting the importance of supernovae to fully characterise the properties of galaxy-scale gravitational lenses, including the impact of galaxy substructures., Comment: Matches published version in Nature Astronomy

We present near-infrared (NIR) and optical observations of the Type Ic supernova (SN Ic) SN 2021krf obtained between days 13 and 259 at several ground-based telescopes. The NIR spectrum at day 68 exhibits a rising $K$-band continuum flux density longward of $\sim$ 2.0 $\mu$m, and a late-time optical spectrum at day 259 shows strong [O I] 6300 and 6364 \r{A} emission-line asymmetry, both indicating the presence of dust, likely formed in the SN ejecta. We estimate a carbon-grain dust mass of $\sim$ 2 $\times$ 10$^{-5}$ M$_{\odot}$ and a dust temperature of $\sim$ 900 - 1200 K associated with this rising continuum and suggest the dust has formed in SN ejecta. Utilizing the one-dimensional multigroup radiation hydrodynamics code STELLA, we present two degenerate progenitor solutions for SN 2021krf, characterized by C-O star masses of 3.93 and 5.74 M$_{\odot}$, but with the same best-fit $^{56}$Ni mass of 0.11 M$_{\odot}$ for early times (0-70 days). At late times (70-300 days), optical light curves of SN 2021krf decline substantially more slowly than that expected from $^{56}$Co radioactive decay. Lack of H and He lines in the late-time SN spectrum suggests the absence of significant interaction of the ejecta with the circumstellar medium. We reproduce the entire bolometric light curve with a combination of radioactive decay and an additional powering source in the form of a central engine of a millisecond pulsar with a magnetic field smaller than that of a typical magnetar., Comment: Accepted for publication in ApJ, 27 pages, 21 figures, 6 tables. Previous arXiv submission (arXiv:2211.00205) replaced after acceptance

The K2 mission of the Kepler Space Telescope allowed the observations of light curves of small solar system bodies throughout the whole Solar system. In this paper we present the results of a collection of K2 transneptunian object observations, between Campaigns C03 (November 2014 -- February 2015) to C19 (August -- September, 2018), which includes 66 targets. Due to the faintness of our targets the detectability rate of a light curve period is $\sim$56%, notably lower than in the case of other small body populations, like Hildas or Jovian trojans. We managed to obtain light curve periods with an acceptable confidence for 37 targets; the majority of these cases are new identifications. We were able to give light curve amplitude upper limits for the other 29 targets. Several of the newly detected light curve periods are longer than $\sim$24 h, in many cases close to $\sim$80 h, i.e., these targets are slow rotators. This relative abundance of slowly rotating objects is similar to that observed among Hildas, Jovian trojans and Centaurs in the K2 mission, and also among main belt asteroids measured with the TESS Space Telescope. Transneptunian objects show notably higher light curve amplitudes at large (D $\gtrsim$ 300 km) sizes than that found among large main belt asteroids, in contrast to the general expectation that due to their lower compressive strength they reach hydrostatic equlibrium at smaller sizes than their inner solar system counterparts., Comment: Accepted for publication in ApJS

The 2-m aperture Chinese Space Station Telescope (CSST), which observes at wavelengths ranging from 255 to 1000 nm, is expected to start science operations in 2024. An ultra-deep field observation program covering approximately 10 square degrees is proposed with supernovae (SNe) and other transients as one of its primary science drivers. This paper presents the simulated detection results of type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) and explores the impact of new datasets on the determinations of cosmological parameters. The simulated observations are conducted with an exposure time of 150 s and cadences of 10, 20, and 30 days. The survey mode covering a total of 80 observations but with a random cadence in the range of 4 to 14 days is also explored. Our simulation results indicate that the CSST can detect up to $\sim 1800$ SNe Ia at z $<$ 1.3. The simulated SNe Ia are then used to constrain the cosmological parameters. The constraint on $\Omega_m$ can be improved by 37.5% using the 10-day cadence sample in comparison with the Pantheon sample. A deeper measurement simulation with a 300 s exposure time together with the Pantheon sample improves the current constraints on $\Omega_m$ by 58.3% and $\omega$ by 47.7%. Taking future ground-based SNe Ia surveys into consideration, the constraints on $\omega$ can be improved by 59.1%. The CSST ultra-deep field observation program is expected to discover large amounts of SNe Ia over a broad redshift span and enhance our understanding of the nature of dark energy., Comment: 10 pages, 6 figures, 2 tables, accepted for publication in SCIENCE CHINA Physics, Mechanics & Astronomy

We investigate the potential of using a sample of very high-redshift ($2\lesssim z \lesssim6$) (VHZ) Type Ia supernovae (SNe~Ia) attainable by the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) on constraining cosmological parameters. At such high redshifts, the age of the universe is young enough that the VHZ SNIa sample comprises the very first SNe~Ia of the universe, with progenitors among the very first generation of low mass stars that the universe has made. We show that the VHZ SNe~Ia can be used to disentangle systematic effects due to the luminosity distance evolution with redshifts intrinsic to SNIa standardization. Assuming that the systematic evolution can be described by a linear or logarithmic formula, we found that the coefficients of this dependence can be determined accurately and decoupled from cosmological models. Systematic evolution as large as 0.15 mag and 0.45 mag out to $z=5$ can be robustly separated from popular cosmological models for the linear and logarithmic evolution, respectively. The VHZ SNe~Ia will lay the foundation for quantifying the systematic redshift evolution of SNIa luminosity distance scales. When combined with SNIa surveys at comparatively lower redshifts, the VHZ SNe~Ia allow for a precise measurement of the history of the expansion of the universe from $z\sim 0$ to the epoch approaching reionization., Comment: Accepted for publication in ApJ. Typos corrected. Fig.14 updated

We report spectropolarimetric observations of the Type Ia supernova (SN) 2021rhu at four epochs: $-$7, +0, +36, and +79 days relative to its $B$-band maximum luminosity. A wavelength-dependent continuum polarization peaking at $3890 \pm 93$ Angstroms and reaching a level of $p_{\rm max}=1.78% \pm 0.02$% was found. The peak of the polarization curve is bluer than is typical in the Milky Way, indicating a larger proportion of small dust grains along the sightline to the SN. After removing the interstellar polarization, we found a pronounced increase of the polarization in the CaII near-infrared triplet, from $\sim$0.3% at day $-$7 to $\sim$2.5% at day +79. No temporal evolution in high-resolution flux spectra across the NaID and CaIIH&K features was seen from days +39 to +74, indicating that the late-time increase in polarization is intrinsic to the SN as opposed to being caused by scattering of SN photons in circumstellar or interstellar matter. We suggest that an explanation for the late-time rise of the CaII near-infrared triplet polarization may be the alignment of calcium atoms in a weak magnetic field through optical excitation/pumping by anisotropic radiation from the SN., Comment: 14 pages, 9 figures, accepted for publication in ApJ

In this work, photometric and spectroscopic analyses of a very low-luminosity Type IIb supernova (SN) 2016iyc have been performed. SN 2016iyc lies near the faint end among the distribution of similar supernovae (SNe). Given lower ejecta mass ($M_{\rm ej}$) and low nickel mass ($M_{\rm Ni}$) from the literature, combined with SN 2016iyc lying near the faint end, one-dimensional stellar evolution models of 9 - 14 M$_{\odot}$ zero-age main-sequence (ZAMS) stars as the possible progenitors of SN 2016iyc have been performed using the publicly available code MESA. Moreover, synthetic explosions of the progenitor models have been simulated using the hydrodynamic evolution codes STELLA and SNEC. The bolometric luminosity light curve and photospheric velocities produced through synthetic explosions of ZAMS stars of mass in the range 12 - 13 M$_{\odot}$ having a pre-supernova radius $R_{\mathrm{0}} =$ (240 - 300) R$_{\odot}$, with $M_{\rm ej} =$ (1.89 - 1.93) M$_{\odot}$, explosion energy $E_{\rm exp} = $ (0.28 - 0.35) $\times 10^{51}$ erg, and $M_{\rm Ni} < 0.09$ M$_{\odot}$, are in good agreement with observations; thus, SN 2016iyc probably exploded from a progenitor near the lower mass limits for SNe IIb. Finally, hydrodynamic simulations of the explosions of SN 2016gkg and SN 2011fu have also been performed to compare intermediate- and high-luminosity examples among well-studied SNe IIb. The results of progenitor modelling and synthetic explosions for SN 2016iyc, SN 2016gkg, and SN 2011fu exhibit a diverse range of mass for the possible progenitors of SNe IIb., Comment: Final updated version. Accepted for publication in MNRAS

SN 2014C was originally classified as a Type Ib supernova, but at phase {\phi} = 127 d post-explosion strong H{\alpha} emission was observed. SN 2014C has since been observed in radio, infrared, optical and X-ray bands. Here we present new optical spectroscopic and photometric data spanning {\phi} = 947 - 2494 d post-explosion. We address the evolution of the broadened H{\alpha} emission line, as well as broad [O III] emission and other lines. We also conduct a parallel analysis of all publicly available multi-wavelength data. From our spectra, we find a nearly constant H{\alpha} FWHM velocity width of {\sim}2000 km/s that is significantly lower than that of other broadened atomic transitions ({\sim}3000 - 7000 km/s) present in our spectra ([O I] {\lambda}6300; [O III] {\lambda}{\lambda}4959,5007; He I {\lambda}7065; [Ca II] {\lambda}{\lambda}7291,7324). The late radio data demand a fast forward shock ({\sim}10,000 km/s at {\phi} = 1700 d) in rarified matter that contrasts with the modest velocity of the H{\alpha}. We propose that the infrared flux originates from a toroidal-like structure of hydrogen surrounding the progenitor system, while later emission at other wavelengths (radio, X-ray) likely originates predominantly from the reverse shock in the ejecta and the forward shock in the quasi-spherical progenitor He wind. We propose that the H{\alpha} emission arises in the boundary layer between the ejecta and torus. We also consider the possible roles of a pulsar and a binary companion., Comment: 33 pages, 12 figures

We present follow-up photometric and spectroscopic observations, and subsequent analysis of Gaia20eae. This source triggered photometric alerts during 2020 after showing a $\sim$3 mag increase in its brightness. Its Gaia Alert light curve showed the shape of a typical eruptive young star. We carried out observations to confirm Gaia20eae as an eruptive young star and classify it. Its pre-outburst spectral energy distribution shows that Gaia20eae is a moderately embedded Class II object with $L_\mathrm{bol} = 7.22$ L$_\odot$. The color-color and color-magnitude diagrams indicate that the evolution in the light curve is mostly gray. Multiple epochs of the H$\alpha$ line profile suggest an evolution of the accretion rate and winds. The near-infrared spectra display several emission lines, a feature typical of EXor-type eruptive young stars. We estimated the mass accretion rate during the dimming phase to be $\dot{M} = 3-8 \times 10^{-7}$ M$_\odot$ yr$^{-1}$, higher than typical T Tauri stars of similar mass and comparable to other EXors. We conclude Gaia20eae is a new EXor-type candidate., Comment: Accepted for publication in ApJ. 20 pages, 11 figures

We present the 30-min cadence Kepler/K2 light curve of the Type Ia supernova (SN Ia) SN 2018agk, covering approximately one week before explosion, the full rise phase and the decline until 40 days after peak. We additionally present ground-based observations in multiple bands within the same time range, including the 1-day cadence DECam observations within the first $\sim$5 days after the first light. The Kepler early light curve is fully consistent with a single power-law rise, without evidence of any bump feature. We compare SN 2018agk with a sample of other SNe~Ia without early excess flux from the literature. We find that SNe Ia without excess flux have slowly-evolving early colors in a narrow range ($g-i\approx -0.20\pm0.20$ mag) within the first $\sim 10$ days. On the other hand, among SNe Ia detected with excess, SN 2017cbv and SN 2018oh tend to be bluer, while iPTF16abc's evolution is similar to normal SNe Ia without excess in $g-i$. We further compare the Kepler light curve of SN 2018agk with companion-interaction models, and rule out the existence of a typical non-degenerate companion undergoing Roche-lobe overflow at viewing angles smaller than $45^{\circ}$., Comment: 20 pages, 14 figures, 5 tables. Published in ApJ

Photometric and spectroscopic analyses of the intermediate-luminosity Type Ib supernova (SN) 2015ap and of the heavily reddened Type Ib SN~2016bau are discussed. Photometric properties of the two SNe, such as colour evolution, bolometric luminosity, photospheric radius, temperature, and velocity evolution, are also constrained. The ejecta mass, synthesised nickel mass, and kinetic energy of the ejecta are calculated from their light-curve analysis. We also model and compare the spectra of SN~2015ap and SN~2016bau at various stages of their evolution. The P~Cygni profiles of various lines present in the spectra are used to determine the velocity evolution of the ejecta. To account for the observed photometric and spectroscopic properties of the two SNe, we have computed 12\,$M_\odot$ zero-age main sequence (ZAMS) star models and evolved them until the onset of core collapse using the publicly available stellar-evolution code {\tt MESA}. Synthetic explosions were produced using the public version of {\tt STELLA} and another publicly available code, {\tt SNEC}, utilising the {\tt MESA} models. {\tt SNEC} and {\tt STELLA} provide various observable properties such as the bolometric luminosity and velocity evolution. The parameters produced by {\tt SNEC}/{\tt STELLA} and our observations show close agreement with each other, thus supporting a 12\,$M_\odot$ ZAMS star as the possible progenitor for SN~2015ap, while the progenitor of SN~2016bau is slightly less massive, being close to the boundary between SN and non-SN as the final product., Comment: 23 pages, 24 figures, 7 tables; Accepted for publication in MNRAS

Various properties of Jovian trojan asteroids such as composition, rotation periods, and photometric amplitudes, or the rate of binarity in the population can provide information and constraints on the evolution of the group and of the Solar System itself. Here we present new photometric properties of 45 Jovian trojans from the K2 mission of the Kepler space telescope, and present phase-folded light curves for 44 targets, including (11351) Leucus, one of the targets of the Lucy mission. We extend our sample to 101 asteroids with previous K2 Trojan measurements, then compare their combined amplitude- and frequency distributions to other ground-based and space data. We show that there is a dichotomy in the periods of Trojans with a separation at $\sim 100$ hr. We find that 25% of the sample are slow rotators (P$\geq$30 hr), which excess can be attributed to binary objects. We also show that 32 systems can be classified as potential detached binary systems. Finally, we calculate density and rotation constraints for the asteroids. Both the spin barrier and fits to strengthless ellipsoid models indicate low densities and thus compositions similar to cometary and TNO populations throughout the sample. This supports the scenario of outer Solar System origin for Jovian trojans., Comment: 25 pages, 19 figures, accepted for publication in ApJS

We present our photometric and spectroscopic observations on the peculiar transient AT2018cow. The multi-band photometry covers from peak to $\sim$70 days and the spectroscopy ranges from 5 to $\sim$50 days. The rapid rise ($t_{\mathrm{r}}$$\lesssim$2.9 days), high luminosity ($M_{V,\mathrm{peak}}\sim-$20.8 mag) and fast decline after peak make AT2018cow stand out of any other optical transients. While we find that its light curves show high resemblance to those of type Ibn supernovae. Moreover, the spectral energy distribution remains high temperature of $\sim$14,000 K after $\sim$15 days since discovery. The spectra are featureless in the first 10 days, while some broad emission lines due to H, He, C and O emerge later, with velocity declining from $\sim$14,000 km s$^{-1}$ to $\sim$3000 km s$^{-1}$ at the end of our observations. Narrow and weak He I emission lines emerge in the spectra at $t>$20 days since discovery. These emission lines are reminiscent of the features seen in interacting supernovae like type Ibn and IIn subclasses. We fit the bolometric light curves with a model of circumstellar interaction (CSI) and radioactive decay (RD) of \Ni and find a good fit with ejecta mass $M_{\mathrm{ej}}\sim$3.16 M$_{\odot}$, circumstellar material mass $M_{\mathrm{CSM}}\sim$0.04 M$_{\odot}$, and ejected \Ni mass $M_{^{56}\mathrm{Ni}}\sim$0.23 M$_{\odot}$. The CSM shell might be formed in an eruptive mass ejection of the progenitor star. Furthermore, host environment of AT2018cow implies connection of AT2018cow with massive stars. Combining observational properties and the light curve fitting results, we conclude that AT2018cow might be a peculiar interacting supernova originated from a massive star., Comment: Accepted for publication in ApJ

We present a study of 28 Type I superluminous supernovae (SLSNe) in the context of the ejecta mass and photospheric velocity. We combine photometry and spectroscopy to infer ejecta masses via the formalism of radiation diffusion equations. We show an improved method to determine the photospheric velocity by combining spectrum modeling and cross correlation techniques. We find that Type I SLSNe can be divided into two groups by their pre-maximum spectra. Members of the first group have the W-shaped absorption trough in their pre-maximum spectrum, usually identified as due to O II. This feature is absent in the spectra of supernovae in the second group, whose spectra are similar to SN~2015bn. We confirm that the pre- or near-maximum photospheric velocities correlate with the velocity gradients: faster evolving SLSNe have larger photosheric velocities around maximum. We classify the studied SLSNe into the Fast or the Slow evolving group by their estimated photosheric velocities, and find that all those objects that resemble to SN~2015bn belong to the Slow evolving class, while SLSNe showing the W-like absorption are represented in both Fast and Slow evolving groups. We estimate the ejecta masses of all objects in our sample, and obtain values in the range of 2.9 ($\pm$0.8) - 208 ($\pm$61) $M_\odot$, with a mean of $43 (\pm 12)~ M_\odot$. We conclude that Slow evolving SLSNe tend to have higher ejecta masses compared to the Fast ones. Our ejecta mass calculations suggests that SLSNe are caused by energetic explosions of very massive stars, irrespectively of the powering mechanism of the light curve., Comment: 21 pages, Submitted to ApJ

We present extensive observations of SN 2018zd covering the first $\sim450$\,d after the explosion. This SN shows a possible shock-breakout signal $\sim3.6$\,hr after the explosion in the unfiltered light curve, and prominent flash-ionisation spectral features within the first week. The unusual photospheric temperature rise (rapidly from $\sim 12,000$\,K to above 18,000\,K) within the earliest few days suggests that the ejecta were continuously heated. Both the significant temperature rise and the flash spectral features can be explained with the interaction of the SN ejecta with the massive stellar wind ($0.18^{+0.05}_{-0.10}\, \rm M_{\odot}$), which accounts for the luminous peak ($L_{\rm max} = [1.36\pm 0.63] \times 10^{43}\, \rm erg\,s^{-1}$) of SN 2018zd. The luminous peak and low expansion velocity ($v \approx 3300$ km s$^{-1}$) make SN 2018zd to be like a member of the LLEV (luminous SNe II with low expansion velocities) events originated due to circumstellar interaction. The relatively fast post-peak decline allows a classification of SN 2018zd as a transition event morphologically linking SNe~IIP and SNe~IIL. In the radioactive-decay phase, SN 2018zd experienced a significant flux drop and behaved more like a low-luminosity SN~IIP both spectroscopically and photometrically. This contrast indicates that circumstellar interaction plays a vital role in modifying the observed light curves of SNe~II. Comparing nebular-phase spectra with model predictions suggests that SN 2018zd arose from a star of $\sim 12\,\rm M_{\odot}$. Given the relatively small amount of $^{56}$Ni ($0.013 - 0.035 \rm M_{\odot}$), the massive stellar wind, and the faint X-ray radiation, the progenitor of SN 2018zd could be a massive asymptotic giant branch star which collapsed owing to electron capture., Comment: Accepted for publication in MNRAS, 20 pages, 11 figures

We present observations and analysis of PSN J17292918+7542390, a low-luminosity Type II-P supernova (LL SN IIP). The observed sample of such events is still low, and their nature is still under debate. Such supernovae are similar to SN 2005cs, a well-observed low-luminosity Type II-P event, having low expansion velocities, and small ejected $^{56}$Ni mass. We have developed a robust and relatively fast Monte-Carlo code that fits semi-analytic models to light curves of core collapse supernovae. This allows the estimation of the most important physical parameters, like the radius of the progenitor star, the mass of the ejected envelope, the mass of the radioactive nickel synthesized during the explosion, among others. PSN J17292918+7542390 has $R_0 = 91_{-70}^{+119} \cdot 10^{11} \;\text{cm}$, $M_\text{ej} = 9.89_{-1.00}^{+2.10} \; M_{\odot}$, $E_{\mathrm{kin}} = 0.65_{-0.18}^{+0.19} \;\text{foe}$, $v_{\mathrm{exp}} = 3332_{-347}^{+216}$ km s$^{-1}$, for its progenitor radius, ejecta mass, kinetic energy and expansion velocity, respectively. The initial nickel mass of the PSN J17292918+7542390 turned out to be $1.55_{-0.70}^{+0.75} \cdot 10^{-3} M_{\odot}$. The measured photospheric velocity at the earliest observed phase is 7000 km s$^{-1}$. As far as we can tell based on the small population of observed low-luminosity Type II-P supernovae, the determined values are typical for these events., Comment: 19 pages, 13 figures

We present panchromatic observations and modeling of the Calcium-rich supernova 2019ehk in the star-forming galaxy M100 (d$\approx$16.2 Mpc) starting 10 hours after explosion and continuing for ~300 days. SN 2019ehk shows a double-peaked optical light curve peaking at $t = 3$ and $15$ days. The first peak is coincident with luminous, rapidly decaying $\textit{Swift}$-XRT discovered X-ray emission ($L_x\approx10^{41}~\rm{erg~s^{-1}}$ at 3 days; $L_x \propto t^{-3}$), and a Shane/Kast spectral detection of narrow H$\alpha$ and He II emission lines ($v \approx 500$ km/s) originating from pre-existent circumstellar material. We attribute this phenomenology to radiation from shock interaction with extended, dense material surrounding the progenitor star at $r<10^{15}$ cm and the resulting cooling emission. We calculate a total CSM mass of $\sim$ $7\times10^{-3}$ $\rm{M_{\odot}}$ with particle density $n\approx10^{9}\,\rm{cm^{-3}}$. Radio observations indicate a significantly lower density $n < 10^{4}\,\rm{cm^{-3}}$ at larger radii. The photometric and spectroscopic properties during the second light curve peak are consistent with those of Ca-rich transients (rise-time of $t_r =13.4\pm0.210$ days and a peak B-band magnitude of $M_B =-15.1\pm0.200$ mag). We find that SN 2019ehk synthesized $(3.1\pm0.11)\times10^{-2} ~ \rm{M_{\odot}}$ of ${}^{56}\textrm{Ni}$ and ejected $M_{\rm ej} = (0.72\pm 0.040)~\rm{M_{\odot}}$ total with a kinetic energy $E_{\rm k}=(1.8\pm0.10)\times10^{50}~\rm{erg}$. Finally, deep $\textit{HST}$ pre-explosion imaging at the SN site constrains the parameter space of viable stellar progenitors to massive stars in the lowest mass bin (~10 $\rm{M_{\odot}}$) in binaries that lost most of their He envelope or white dwarfs. The explosion and environment properties of SN 2019ehk further restrict the potential WD progenitor systems to low-mass hybrid HeCO WD + CO WD binaries., Comment: 51 pages, 27 figures. Accepted for publication in ApJ

Pair-instability supernovae (PISNe) are the ultimate cosmic lighthouses, capable of being observed at z<25 and revealing the properties of primordial stars at cosmic dawn. But it is now understood that the spectra and light curves of these events evolved with redshift as the universe became polluted with heavy elements because chemically enriched stars in this mass range typically lose most of their hydrogen envelopes and explode as bare helium cores. The light curves of such transients can be considerably dimmer in the near infrared (NIR) today than those of primordial PISNe of equal energy and progenitor mass. Here, we calculate detection rates for PISNe whose progenitors lost their outer layers to either line-driven winds or rotation at z<10, their detection limit in redshift for the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST). We find that JWST may be able to detect only Pop II (metal-poor) PISNe over the redshift range of z<4, but not their Pop III (metal-free) counterparts., Comment: Accepted for ApJ, in press

This paper presents data and analysis of SN 2010kd, a low-redshift ($z = 0.101$) H-deficient superluminous supernova (SLSN), based on ultraviolet/optical photometry and optical spectroscopy spanning between $-$28 and +194 days relative to $\mathit{B}$ band maximum light. The $\mathit{B}$ band light curve comparison of SN 2010kd with a subset of well-studied SLSNe I at comparable redshifts indicates that it is a slow-decaying PTF12dam like SLSN. Analytical light-curve modeling using the $\mathtt{Minim}$ code suggests that the bolometric light curve of SN 2010kd favors circumstellar matter interaction for the powering mechanism. $\mathtt{SYNAPPS}$ modeling of the early-phase spectra does not identify broad H or He lines, whereas the photospheric-phase spectra are dominated by O I, O II, C II, C IV and Si II, particularly, presence of both low and high-velocity components of O II and Si II lines. The nebular-phase spectra of SN 2010kd are dominated by O I and Ca II emission lines similar to those seen in other SLSNe I. The line velocities in SN 2010kd exhibit flatter evolution curves similar to SN 2015bn but with comparatively higher values. SN 2010kd shows a higher single-zone local thermodynamic equilibrium temperature in comparison to PTF12dam and SN 2015bn, and it has an upper O I ejected mass limit of $\sim 10~M_\odot$. The host of SN 2010kd is a dwarf galaxy with a high star-formation rate ($\sim 0.18 \pm 0.04~M_\odot$ yr$^{-1}$) and extreme emission lines., Comment: 26 pages, 16 figures, Accepted in ApJ, updated to match the accepted version

Hilda asteroids orbit at the outer edge, or just outside of the Main Belt, occupying the 2:3 mean motion resonance with Jupiter. It is known that the group shows a mixed taxonomy that suggests the mixed origin of Hilda members, having migrated to the current orbit both from the outer Main Belt and from the Trojans swarms. But there are still few observations for comparative studies that help in understanding the Hilda group in deeper details. We identified 125 individual light curves of Hilda asteroids observed by the K2 mission. We found that despite of the mixed taxonomies, the Hilda group highly resembles to the Trojans in the distribution of rotation periods and amplitudes, and even the LR group (mostly C and X-type) Hildas follow this rule. Contrary to the Main Belt, Hilda group lacks the very fast rotators. The ratio of extremely slow rotators (P>100 h) is a surprising 18%, which is unique in the Solar System. The occurrence rate of asteroids with multiple periods (4%) and asteroids with three maxima in the light curves (5%) can be signs of high rate of binarity, which we can estimate as 25% within the Hilda group., Comment: ApJS, in press, 28 pages

The Type~Ia supernova (SN~Ia) 2017cfd in IC~0511 (redshift z = 0.01209+- 0.00016$) was discovered by the Lick Observatory Supernova Search 1.6+-0.7 d after the fitted first-light time (FFLT; 15.2 d before B-band maximum brightness). Photometric and spectroscopic follow-up observations show that SN~2017cfd is a typical, normal SN~Ia with a peak luminosity MB ~ -19.2+-0.2 mag, Delta m15(B) = 1.16 mag, and reached a B-band maximum ~16.8 d after the FFLT. We estimate there to be moderately strong host-galaxy extinction (A_V = 0.39 +- 0.03 mag) based on MLCS2k2 fitting. The spectrum reveals a Si~II lambda 6355 velocity of ~11,200 kms at peak brightness. The analysis shows that SN~2017cfd is a very typical, normal SN Ia in nearly every aspect. SN~2017cfd was discovered very young, with multiband data taken starting 2 d after the FFLT, making it a valuable complement to the currently small sample (fewer than a dozen) of SNe~Ia with color data at such early times. We find that its intrinsic early-time (B - V)0 color evolution belongs to the "blue" population rather than to the distinct "red" population. Using the photometry, we constrain the companion star radius to be < 2.5 R_sun, thus ruling out a red-giant companion., Comment: 10 pages, 7 figures, 3 tables

The interaction between the expanding supernova (SN) ejecta with the circumstellar material (CSM) that was expelled from the progenitor prior to explosion is a long-sought phenomenon, yet observational evidence is scarce. Here we confirm a new example: SN 2004dk, originally a hydrogen-poor, helium-rich Type Ib SN that reappeared as a strong H$\alpha$-emitting point-source on narrowband H$\alpha$ images. We present follow-up optical spectroscopy that reveals the presence of a broad H$\alpha$ component with full width at half maximum of ~290 km/s in addition to the narrow H$\alpha$ +[NII] emission features from the host galaxy. Such a broad component is a clear sign of an ejecta-CSM interaction. We also present observations with the XMM-Newton Observatory, the Swift satellite, and the Chandra X-ray Observatory that span 10 days to 15 years after discovery. The detection of strong radio, X-ray, and H$\alpha$ emission years after explosion allows various constraints to be put on pre-SN mass-loss processes. We present a wind-bubble model in which the CSM is "pre-prepared" by a fast wind interacting with a slow wind. Much of the outer density profile into which the SN explodes corresponds to no steady-state mass-loss process. We estimate that the shell of compressed slow wind material was ejected ~1400 yr prior to explosion, perhaps during carbon burning, and that the SN shock had swept up about 0.04 M_sun of material. The region emitting the H$\alpha$ has a density of order $10^{-20}$ g/cc., Comment: 16 pages

The non-detection of companion stars in Type Ia supernova (SN) progenitor systems lends support to the notion of double-degenerate (DD) systems and explosions triggered by the merging of two white dwarfs. This very asymmetric process should lead to a conspicuous polarimetric signature. By contrast, observations consistently find very low continuum polarization as the signatures from the explosion process largely dominate over the pre-explosion configuration within several days. Critical information about the interaction of the ejecta with a companion and any circumstellar matter is encoded in the early polarization spectra. In this study, we obtain spectropolarimetry of SN\,2018gv with the ESO Very Large Telescope at $-$13.6 days relative to the $B-$band maximum light, or $\sim$5 days after the estimated explosion --- the earliest spectropolarimetric observations to date of any Type Ia SN. These early observations still show a low continuum polarization ($\lesssim$0.2\%) and moderate line polarization (0.30$\pm$0.04\% for the prominent \ion{Si}{2} $\lambda$6355 feature and 0.85$\pm$0.04\% for the high-velocity Ca component). The high degree of spherical symmetry implied by the low line and continuum polarization at this early epoch is consistent with explosion models of delayed detonations and is inconsistent with the merger-induced explosion scenario. The dense UV and optical photometry and optical spectroscopy within the first $\sim$100 days after the maximum light indicate that SN\,2018gv is a normal Type Ia SN with similar spectrophotometric behavior to SN\,2011fe., Comment: 55 pages, 22 figures, 6 tables, submitted to AAS journal