The radio lightcurve of SN 2008iz in M82 revealed by Urumqi observations

TL;DR

This paper presents radio observations of galaxy M82 revealing a supernova flare, providing insights into the supernova's properties, magnetic field, and shock dynamics through detailed light curve analysis.

Contribution

It offers the first detailed radio light curve of SN 2008iz, deriving physical parameters and examining absorption effects, which advances understanding of supernova radio emission mechanisms.

Findings

Detected a strong radio flare associated with SN 2008iz.

Estimated the supernova's explosion date and shock deceleration.

Analyzed the contribution of Synchrotron Self Absorption to the light curve.

Abstract

We report on a set of 5 GHz Urumqi observations of the galaxy M82, made between August 2005 and May 2009. From the resulting flux densities, we detect a strong flare, starting in March or April and peaking in June 2008. We identify this flare with supernova SN 2008iz. The time sampling of the radio light curve allows us to obtain information on the precursor mass-loss rate, the strength of the magnetic field in the radiating region, the explosion date, and the deceleration of the expanding shock. We also check the possible contribution of Synchrotron Self Absorption (SSA) to the radio light curve and compare our model with other observations of the supernova at 22 GHz.