On the Spectroscopic Boundaries Between Normal and Peculiar Type~I Supernovae

TL;DR

This paper investigates the spectroscopic distinctions between normal and peculiar Type I supernovae using empirical metrics and discusses how comprehensive spectral data can improve model-data comparisons.

Contribution

It introduces multi-component empirical metrics to define spectroscopic boundaries and highlights the benefits of extensive observational coverage for spectrum synthesis.

Findings

Empirical metrics can distinguish supernova types more effectively.

Complete wavelength and time coverage enhances spectrum synthesis.

Challenges exist in pairing models with spectral data.

Abstract

The spectrum of a supernova is a summation of numerous overlapping atomic line signatures. Consequently, empirical measurements are limited in application when compound features are assumed to be due to one or two spectral lines. Here I address matters of spectroscopic boundaries between normal and peculiar type I supernovae using multi-component empirical metrics. I discuss some obstacles faced when using supernova spectra to pair model with data and I demonstrate how spectrum synthesis can benefit from fairly complete observational coverage in wavelength and time.