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The type Ia supernova SNLS-03D3bb from a super-Chandrasekhar-mass white dwarf star.

Authors :
Andrew Howell, D.
Sullivan, Mark
Nugent, Peter E.
Ellis, Richard S.
Conley, Alexander J.
Le Borgne, Damien
Carlberg, Raymond G.
Guy, Julien
Balam, David
Basa, Stephane
Fouchez, Dominique
Hook, Isobel M.
Hsiao, Eric Y.
Neill, James D.
Pain, Reynald
Perrett, Kathryn M.
Pritchet, Christopher J.
Source :
Nature. 9/21/2006, Vol. 443 Issue 7109, p308-311. 4p.
Publication Year :
2006

Abstract

The accelerating expansion of the Universe, and the need for dark energy, were inferred from observations of type Ia supernovae. There is a consensus that type Ia supernovae are thermonuclear explosions that destroy carbon–oxygen white dwarf stars that have accreted matter from a companion star, although the nature of this companion remains uncertain. These supernovae are thought to be reliable distance indicators because they have a standard amount of fuel and a uniform trigger: they are predicted to explode when the mass of the white dwarf nears the Chandrasekhar mass of 1.4 solar masses (M\cirċ). Here we show that the high-redshift supernova SNLS-03D3bb has an exceptionally high luminosity and low kinetic energy that both imply a super-Chandrasekhar-mass progenitor. Super-Chandrasekhar-mass supernovae should occur preferentially in a young stellar population, so this may provide an explanation for the observed trend that overluminous type Ia supernovae occur only in ‘young’ environments. As this supernova does not obey the relations that allow type Ia supernovae to be calibrated as standard candles, and as no counterparts have been found at low redshift, future cosmology studies will have to consider possible contamination from such events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
00280836
Volume :
443
Issue :
7109
Database :
Academic Search Index
Journal :
Nature
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
22426465
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1038/nature05103