Multiwavelength view of circumstellar interaction in supernovae

TL;DR

This paper reviews supernova circumstellar interactions across wavelengths, linking them to progenitor stars, and presents new X-ray and radio data on SN 2010jl that shed light on its recent mass-loss history.

Contribution

It provides an updated supernova classification, links supernova subtypes to progenitor pathways, and presents new multi-wavelength observations of SN 2010jl extending its interaction study to 7 years post-explosion.

Findings

SN 2010jl's mass-loss rate began within 300 years before explosion.

Multi-wavelength data reveals diverse circumstellar environments.

Updated supernova classification diagram presented.

Abstract

The interaction of post-explosion supernova ejecta with the surrounding circumstellar medium creates emission across the electromagnetic spectrum. Since the circumstellar medium is created by the mass lost from the progenitor star, it carries tell-tale signatures of the progenitor. Consequently, observations and modeling of radiation produced by the interaction in various types of supernovae have provided valuable insights into their progenitors. Detailed studies have shown that the interaction in supernovae begins and sustains over various timescales and lengthscales, with differing mass-loss rates in distinct sub-classes. This reveals diverse progenitor histories for these stellar explosions. This review paper summarizes various supernova subtypes, linking them to stellar death pathways, and presents an updated supernova classification diagram. We then present a multi-wavelength study of circumstellar interaction in different supernova classes. We also present unpublished Chandra X-ray as well as radio observations of a type IIn supernova, SN 2010jl, which allow us to extend its circumstellar interaction studies to about 7 years post-explosion. The new data indicates that the extreme mass-loss rate 0.1 Msun/yr in SN 2010jl, reported by Chandra et al. (2015), commenced within the last 300 years before the explosion. We summarize the current status of the field and argue that via detailed studies of the circumstellar interaction, a.k.a. Time Machine technique, one of the big mysteries of stellar evolution, i.e., mapping supernovae progenitors to their explosive outcomes can be solved.