QU Carinae: Supernova Ia in the making?

TL;DR

This paper explores the potential link between the cataclysmic variable star QU Carinae and the progenitors of Type Ia supernovae, providing spectral evidence supporting this connection.

Contribution

It presents detailed spectral observations of QU Carinae that strengthen the link between certain CVs and Type Ia supernova progenitors, supporting the Accretion Wind Evolution scenario.

Findings

Variable NaI absorption lines observed in QU Carinae.

Spectral features consistent with the V Sge class of CVs.

Support for the connection between CVs and SNeIa progenitors.

Abstract

Variable NaI absorption lines have been reported in a number of type Ia supernovae (SNeIa). The presence of this circumstellar material suggests that cataclysmic variables (CVs) with a giant donor star may be the progenitors of these SNeIa (Patat et al. 2007). We present echelle spectra of the CV QU Carinae which strengthen the connection between CVs of the V Sge class, the Accretion Wind Evolution scenario, variable wind features, variable NaI absorption, and SNIa. This thread not only provides insight into the spectral peculiarities of QU Car, but also links SNeIa as a class with their parent systems.