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SN 2023axu: A Type IIP Supernova Interacted with a Low-Density Stellar Wind1

Zeyi Wang, Jujia Zhang, Qian Zhai, Liping Li, G. Valerin, A. Reguitti, A. Pastorello, Zhenyu Wang, Zeyi Zhao, Tengfei Song, Yongzhi Cai

Abstract

We present photometric and spectroscopic observations of Type IIP supernova SN 2023axu, spanning $\sim$400 d after the explosion. Its light curve is typical of normal SNe IIP, with a V-band peak of $-17.25 \pm 0.06$ mag and no early-time excess indicative of strong circumstellar interaction. The early spectra exhibit a distinctive broad "ledge" near 4600 Å. Through spectral modeling and comparison, we attribute this feature to a blend of C, N, and He lines excited by weak interaction between the ejecta and a low-density stellar wind. The late-time photometric evolution shows no discernible contribution from interaction, arguing against strong late-time circumstellar material engagement and supporting the low-density wind scenario. From modeling, this SN synthesized $\sim 0.055\,M_\odot$ of $^{56}$Ni, and nebular spectrum analysis indicates a progenitor mass near $15\,M_\odot$. SN 2023axu thus exemplifies weak ejecta-wind interaction and highlights the diversity of mass-loss histories and circumstellar environments of SNe II progenitors.

SN 2023axu: A Type IIP Supernova Interacted with a Low-Density Stellar Wind1

Abstract

We present photometric and spectroscopic observations of Type IIP supernova SN 2023axu, spanning 400 d after the explosion. Its light curve is typical of normal SNe IIP, with a V-band peak of mag and no early-time excess indicative of strong circumstellar interaction. The early spectra exhibit a distinctive broad "ledge" near 4600 Å. Through spectral modeling and comparison, we attribute this feature to a blend of C, N, and He lines excited by weak interaction between the ejecta and a low-density stellar wind. The late-time photometric evolution shows no discernible contribution from interaction, arguing against strong late-time circumstellar material engagement and supporting the low-density wind scenario. From modeling, this SN synthesized of Ni, and nebular spectrum analysis indicates a progenitor mass near . SN 2023axu thus exemplifies weak ejecta-wind interaction and highlights the diversity of mass-loss histories and circumstellar environments of SNe II progenitors.
Paper Structure (16 sections, 3 equations, 16 figures, 3 tables)

This paper contains 16 sections, 3 equations, 16 figures, 3 tables.

Table of Contents

  1. INTRODUCTION
  2. Observations
  3. Discovery
  4. Photometry
  5. Spectroscopy
  6. ANALYSIS AND RESULTS
  7. Photometric Analysis
  8. Bolometric Luminosity and Nickel Mass
  9. Spectral Analysis
  10. Late Time Evolution
  11. DISCUSSION
  12. Origin of Ledge Feature
  13. Weak Stellar Wind Interaction of SNe II
  14. Progenitor Mass
  15. CONCLUSIONS
  16. ...and 1 more sections

Figures (16)

  • Figure 1: Finder chart for SN 2023axu in the galaxy NGC 2283. The local reference stars listed in Table \ref{['tab:finder']} are marked with a nearby number. The image is a color composite created from g-, r-, and i-band observations obtained with the YFOSC instrument on the LJT.
  • Figure 2: Light curves of SN 2023axu. The different bands are vertically shifted for clarity. Data from various telescopes and sources are indicated accordingly.
  • Figure 3: Spectra for SN 2023axu from +0.67 to +288 days after the explosion. All spectra have been vertically offset for clarity, with the epochs relative to the explosion date indicated on the right. Dashed lines in various colors mark the rest wavelengths of prominent spectral features for different elements. The spectra from LJT are marked in black, those from DLT40 in blue, and those from Shrestha_2024 in green.
  • Figure 4: Absolute V, g , r, and i-band light curves of SN 2023axu compared with some well-studied SNe II.
  • Figure 5: The g-r color curve evolution of SN 2023axu along with that of other well-studied.
  • ...and 11 more figures