Swift spectra of AT2018cow: A White Dwarf Tidal Disruption Event?

TL;DR

AT2018cow's unusual brightness, rapid evolution, and featureless spectra are explained by a model involving the tidal disruption of a white dwarf by a supermassive black hole, supported by multi-wavelength observations.

Contribution

This paper proposes a novel model of a white dwarf tidal disruption event to explain AT2018cow's unique properties, supported by multi-wavelength data analysis.

Findings

Gamma-ray emission persisted for at least 8 days.

UV spectrum is well described by a blackbody model.

Optical/infrared spectral features indicate high-velocity outflows and cooling layers.

Abstract

The bright transient AT2018cow has been unlike any other known type of transient. Its high brightness, rapid rise and decay and initially nearly featureless spectrum are unprecedented and difficult to explain using models for similar burst sources. We present evidence for faint gamma-ray emission continuing for at least 8 days, and featureless spectra in the ultraviolet bands -- both unusual for eruptive sources. The X-ray variability of the source has a burst-like character. The UV-optical spectrum does not show any CNO line but is well described by a blackbody. We demonstrate that a model invoking the tidal disruption of a 0.1 - 0.4 Msun Helium White Dwarf (WD) by a 100,000 to one million solar mass Black Hole (BH) located in the outskirts of galaxy Z~137-068 could provide an explanation for most of the characteristics shown in the multi-wavelength observations. A blackbody-like emission is emitted from an opaque photosphere, formed by the debris of the WD disruption. Broad features showing up in the optical/infrared spectra in the early stage are probably velocity broadened lines produced in a transient high-velocity outward moving cocoon. The asymmetric optical/infrared lines that appeared at a later stage are emission from an atmospheric layer when it detached from thermal equilibrium with the photosphere, which undergoes more rapid cooling. The photosphere shrinks when its temperature drops, and the subsequent infall of the atmosphere produced asymmetric line profiles. Additionally, a non-thermal jet might be present, emitting X-rays in the 10-150 keV band.