Supernova Classes and Subclasses

TL;DR

This paper discusses the increasing diversity of supernovae, highlighting the need for an expanded classification system to accommodate newly discovered subclasses and transitional objects with unique observational features.

Contribution

It introduces a revised supernova classification scheme that accounts for the growing variety and transitional objects observed in recent research.

Findings

Identification of new supernova subclasses

Recognition of transitional objects between classes

Need for updated classification framework

Abstract

The discovery of many objects with unprecedented, amazing observational characteristics caused the last decade to be the most prolific period for the supernova research. Many of these new supernovae are transitional objects between existing classes, others well enter within the defined classes, but still show unique properties. This makes the traditional classification scheme inadequate to take into account the overall SN variety and, consequently, requires the introduction of new subclasses.