Mid-Infrared Luminosities of Different Types of Supernovae Using the Spitzer Space Telescope
Session Number
Project ID: PHYS 06
Advisor(s)
Vikram Dwarkadas, University of Chicago
Discipline
Physical Science
Start Date
17-4-2024 8:35 AM
End Date
17-4-2024 8:50 AM
Abstract
For centuries, most astronomical observations have been conducted using viable light. However, within the last 60 years, astronomers have been exploring other wavelengths, including infrared, ultraviolet, and microwave. Infrared astronomy became more prevalent due to the Spitzer Space Telescope and the new James Webb Space Telescope This project utilizes mid-infrared (mid-IR) data for supernovae (SNe) obtained with the Spitzer Space Telescope. Using 4.5 μm photometry, we determine the luminosity of various supernova types (II, II-P, IIb, IIn, Ia, Ia-CSM, Ib, Ib/c, Ibn, Ic). Using Python to plot and understand the luminosity of different SNe helps determine luminosity among the different types of SNe. Although the Spitzer telescope is not operational anymore, archival mid-IR data observations are key to understanding dusty SNe. The results of our research indicate that the brightest observed IR SNe type is IIn while the lowest luminosity is observed in Type Ia and II-P.
Mid-Infrared Luminosities of Different Types of Supernovae Using the Spitzer Space Telescope
For centuries, most astronomical observations have been conducted using viable light. However, within the last 60 years, astronomers have been exploring other wavelengths, including infrared, ultraviolet, and microwave. Infrared astronomy became more prevalent due to the Spitzer Space Telescope and the new James Webb Space Telescope This project utilizes mid-infrared (mid-IR) data for supernovae (SNe) obtained with the Spitzer Space Telescope. Using 4.5 μm photometry, we determine the luminosity of various supernova types (II, II-P, IIb, IIn, Ia, Ia-CSM, Ib, Ib/c, Ibn, Ic). Using Python to plot and understand the luminosity of different SNe helps determine luminosity among the different types of SNe. Although the Spitzer telescope is not operational anymore, archival mid-IR data observations are key to understanding dusty SNe. The results of our research indicate that the brightest observed IR SNe type is IIn while the lowest luminosity is observed in Type Ia and II-P.