Uncovering the Next Galactic Supernova with the Vera C. Rubin Observatory

TL;DR

This paper explores how the Vera C. Rubin Observatory can efficiently localize the next galactic supernova triggered by neutrino detectors, with a high probability of detection and optimized observational strategies.

Contribution

It demonstrates the observatory's effectiveness in localizing supernovae from neutrino triggers and analyzes optimal observational parameters.

Findings

Vera C.. Rubin Observatory can localize nearly all observable supernova triggers.

There is a 57-97% chance of catching any supernova based on predictions.

Optimal filter selection and exposure times are identified for supernova localization.

Abstract

Supernovae are observed to occur approximately 1-2 times per century in a galaxy like the Milky Way. Based on historical records, however, the last core-collapse galactic supernova observed by humans occurred almost 1,000 years ago. Luckily, we are well positioned to catch the next one with the advent of new neutrino detectors and astronomical observatories. Neutrino observatories can provide unprecedented triggers for a galactic supernova event as they are likely to see a supernova neutrino signal anywhere from minutes to days before the shock breakout causes the supernova to brighten in optical wavelengths. Given its large etendue, the Vera C. Rubin Observatory is ideally positioned to rapidly localize the optical counterpart based on the neutrino trigger. In this paper we simulate events to study the efficiency with which supernovae are optimally localized by the Vera C. Rubin Observatory. We find that the observatory is ideal for initial localization of nearly all observable supernova triggers and has a 57-97% chance of catching any supernova based on theoretical stellar mass density predictions and observations. We provide an analysis of optimal filter selection and exposure times and discuss observational caveats.