SN 2005 gj: Evidence for LBV supernovae progenitors?

TL;DR

This paper presents compelling spectral evidence linking SN 2005gj to a Luminous Blue Variable progenitor, supporting the hypothesis that LBVs can directly lead to supernovae.

Contribution

It provides the most convincing spectral evidence to date connecting an LBV to a supernova progenitor, based on P-Cygni profiles in SN 2005gj.

Findings

Detection of multiple absorption component P-Cygni profiles in SN 2005gj

Profiles consistent with LBV wind velocities and periods

Spectral resemblance to LBV progenitors

Abstract

There has been mounting observational evidence in favour of Luminous Blue Variables (LBVs) being the direct progenitors of supernovae. Here we present possibly the most convincing evidence yet for such progenitors. We find multiple absorption component P-Cygni profiles of hydrogen and helium in the spectrum of SN 2005gj, which we interpret as being an imprint of the progenitors mass-loss history. Such profiles have previously only been detected in Luminous Blue Variables. This striking resemblance of the profiles, along with wind velocities and periods consistent with LBV's leads us to connect SN 2005gj to an LBV progenitor.