SN 2006aj associated with XRF 060218 at late phases: Nucleosynthesis signature of a neutron star-driven explosion

K. Maeda, K. Kawabata, M. Tanaka, K. Nomoto, N. Tominaga, T. Hattori, T. Minezaki, T. Kuroda, T. Suzuki, J. Deng, P. A. Mazzali, E. Pian

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65 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Optical spectroscopy and photometry of SN 2006aj have been performed with the Subaru telescope at t > 200 days after GRB 060218, the X-ray flash with which it was associated. Strong nebular emission lines with an expansion velocity of v ∼ 7300 km s-1 were detected. The peaked but relatively broad [O I] λλX6300, 6363 suggests the existence of ∼2 M of materials in which ∼1.3 M is oxygen. The core might be produced by a mildly asymmetric explosion. The spectra are unique among SNe Ic in (1) the absence of [Ca II] λλ7291, 7324 emission and (2) a strong emission feature at ∼7400 Å, which requires ∼0.05 M of newly synthesized 58Ni. Such a large amount of stable neutron-rich Ni strongly indicates the formation of a neutron star. The progenitor and the explosion energy are constrained to 18 M ≲ Mms ≲ 22 M and E ∼ (1-3) × 1051 ergs, respectively.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)L5-L8
JournalAstrophysical Journal
Volume658
Issue number1 II
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2007 Mar 20
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Gamma rays: bursts
  • Nuclear reactions, nucleosynthesis, abundances
  • Supernovae: general
  • Supernovae: individual (SN 2006aj)

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
  • Space and Planetary Science

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