EVN observations of the Ultra Luminous Infrared Galaxies IRAS 23365+3604 and IRAS 07251-0248

TL;DR

This study uses EVN radio observations to identify compact sources in two ULIRGs, aiming to detect supernovae and measure star formation rates through high-resolution imaging.

Contribution

First high-resolution EVN images of these ULIRGs revealing compact components consistent with radio supernovae, enabling direct supernova rate estimation.

Findings

Detection of multiple compact radio sources in both ULIRGs

Potential identification of radio supernovae candidates

Foundation for future supernova rate and star formation rate measurements

Abstract

We present high-sensitivity, high-resolution images of the Ultraluminous Infrared Galaxies (ULIRG; L$_{\mathrm{FIR}} > 10^{12}$ L$_\odot$) IRAS 23365+3604 and IRAS 07251-0248, taken with the EVN at 6 and 18 cm. The images show a large number of compact components, whose luminosities are typical of Type IIL and Type IIn Radio Supernovae (RSNe). Further observations of these ULIRGs will allow us to confirm, or to rule out, their nature. The present observations are part of a project that should result in a significant number of SN detections, providing a direct measurement of the Core Collapse Superova (CCSN) rate and allowing us to estimate the Star Formation Rate (SFR) in our sample of ULIRGs .