Optical observations of the luminous Type IIn Supernova 2010jl for over 900 days

TL;DR

This study presents over 900 days of optical observations of the luminous Type IIn Supernova 2010jl, revealing detailed spectral evolution, energy output, and evidence for dust formation in the circumstellar environment.

Contribution

It provides extensive optical data and analysis of SN 2010jl, including a semi-bolometric light curve and insights into asymmetry and dust formation not previously documented.

Findings

Total radiated optical energy ~3.5×10^{50} erg

Evidence of asymmetry in Hα line profile after 775 days

Indications of new dust formation in dense CSM after 300 days

Abstract

The luminous Type IIn Supernova (SN) 2010jl shows strong evidence for the interaction of the SN ejecta with dense circumstellar material (CSM). We present observations of SN 2010jl for $t \sim 900$ d after its earliest detection, including a sequence of optical spectra ranging from $t = 55$ to $909$ d. We also supplement our late time spectra and the photometric measurements in the literature with an additional epoch of new, late time $BVRI$ photometry. Combining available photometric and spectroscopic data, we derive a semi-bolometric optical light curve and calculate a total radiated energy in the optical for SN 2010jl of $\sim 3.5\times10^{50}$ erg. We also examine the evolution of the H$\alpha$ emission line profile in detail and find evidence for asymmetry in the profile for $t \gtrsim 775$ d that is not easily explained by any of the proposed scenarios for this fascinating event. Finally, we discuss the interpretations from the literature of the optical and near-infrared light curves, and propose that the most likely explanation of their evolution is the formation of new dust in the dense, pre-existing CSM wind after $\sim 300$ d.