It's Alive! The Supernova Impostor 1961V

TL;DR

This paper argues that the star Object 7 near SN 1961V is likely a surviving luminous blue variable, challenging the classification of SN 1961V as a true supernova, based on astrometric and observational data.

Contribution

It provides new astrometric and observational evidence suggesting SN 1961V was a super-outburst of an LBV, not a genuine supernova, revising previous classifications.

Findings

Object 7 is closest to SN 1961V position.

Object 7's properties match a quiescent LBV.

Spitzer non-detections do not rule out a surviving LBV.

Abstract

Reports of the death of the precursor of Supernova (SN) 1961V in NGC 1058 are exaggerated. Consideration of the best astrometric data shows that the star, known as "Object 7," lies at the greatest proximity to SN 1961V and is the likely survivor of the "SN impostor" super-outburst. SN 1961V does not coincide with a neighboring radio source and is therefore not a radio SN. Additionally, the current properties of Object 7, based on data obtained with the Hubble Space Telescope, are consistent with it being a quiescent Luminous Blue Variable (LBV). Furthermore, post-explosion non-detections by the Spitzer Space Telescope do not necessarily and sufficiently rule out a surviving LBV. We therefore consider, based on the available evidence, that it is yet a bit premature to reclassify SN 1961V as a bona fide SN. The inevitable demise of this star, though, may not be too far off.