On the Progenitor of the Type Ic Supernova 2012fh

TL;DR

This study uses deep imaging data to set strict limits on the progenitor of Type Ic supernova 2012fh, suggesting a binary origin over a single star, and constrains its activity in the final years.

Contribution

It provides the tightest observational limits on a Type Ic supernova progenitor and favors a binary evolution scenario over single star models.

Findings

Progenitor detection limits: M_R>-4.0, M_V>-3.8, M_B>-3.1, M_U>-3.8 mag.

Progenitor activity was minimal, with optical variability <2500L_ and dimming/brightening trends <1000L_ /year.

Supports binary channel as the likely origin of SN 2012fh.

Abstract

Little is observationally known about the progenitors of Type Ibc supernovae (SNe) or the typical activity of SNe progenitors in their final years. Here, we analyze deep Large Binocular Telescope imaging data spanning the 4 years before and after the Type Ic SN 2012fh using difference imaging. We place 1$\sigma$ upper limits on the detection of the progenitor star at $M_R>-4.0$, $M_V>-3.8$, $M_B>-3.1$, and $M_U>-3.8$ mag. These limits are the tightest placed on a Type Ic SNe and they largely rule out single star evolutionary models in favor of a binary channel as the origin of this SN. We also constrain the activity of the progenitor to be small on an absolute scale, with the RMS $UBVR$ optical variability $<2500L_\odot$ and long-term dimming or brightening trends $<1000L_\odot/\text{year}$ in all four bands.