Opinion: Double Degeneracy Model for SN Ia Progenitors

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In summary, the conversation discusses the double degeneracy model for Type Ia supernovae and its potential for explaining their occurence frequency and irregularities. Several publications and talks on the topic are mentioned, including a review on Ia progenitors and constraints on the lower mass limit for double-degenerate progenitors. The conversation also mentions the ongoing SPY survey for Type Ia progenitors.
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Chronos
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Just an opinion. I increasingly favor the double degeneracy model for SN Ia. The occurence frequency looks about right, and we have hardly any confirmed companion stars for most SN Ia. While most SN Ia are too distant to have much chance of detecting a companion star, it is also true of [the admittedly few] nearby SN Ia over the last millenium. One problem I see with double degeneracy is energy released appears less constant than in the accretion model. On the other hand, we have plenty of irregular SN Ia, which suggests multiple modes. That seems reasonable. Curious what others think.
 
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It seems to be on the minds of many recently.

Normal Type Ia supernovae from violent mergers of white dwarf binaries
Authors: R. Pakmor, M. Kromer, S. Taubenberger, S. A. Sim, F. K. Roepke, W. Hillebrandt
http://arxiv.org/pdf/1201.5123.pdf

On the brightness distribution of Type Ia supernovae from violent white dwarf mergers
A. J. Ruiter, S. A. Sim, R. Pakmor, M. Kromer, I. R. Seitenzahl, K. Belczynski, M. Fink, M. Herzog, W. Hillebrandt, F. K. Röpke and S. Taubenberger
http://mnras.oxfordjournals.org/content/429/2/1425.full.pdf

http://www.astro.caltech.edu/~eran/Fireworks2011/Program.html
Review: Ia progenitors
http://www.astro.caltech.edu/~eran/Fireworks2011/Talks/podsiadlowski.pdf

Some constraints on the lower mass limit for double-degenerate progenitors of Type Ia supernovae
Authors: Xuefei Chen, Jeffery C. Simon, Xianfei Zhang, Zhanwen Han
http://arxiv.org/pdf/1207.2519.pdf

Illuminating the progenitors of Type Ia supernovae with supernova rates
Kyle Barbary, Lawrence Berkeley Lab, 17 January 2012
http://astro.fnal.gov/events/Seminars/Slides/Barbary_FCPA_17Jan2012.pdf

Spectral analysis of weirdo SNe Ia – sub- and superluminous
S. Hachinger, P. A. Mazzali, S. Taubenberger, R. Pakmor, W. Hillebrandt and others
http://www.lorentzcenter.nl/lc/web/2010/391/presentations/Hachinger.pdf

Some additional publications - http://www.mpa-garching.mpg.de/~fritz/publications/publications.html


and - SPY — The ESO Supernovae Type Ia Progenitor Survey
http://www.eso.org/sci/publications/messenger/archive/no.112-jun03/messenger-no112-25-30.pdf
 
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FAQ: Opinion: Double Degeneracy Model for SN Ia Progenitors

What is the Double Degeneracy Model for SN Ia Progenitors?

The Double Degeneracy Model proposes that Type Ia supernovae (SN Ia) are caused by the merging of two white dwarf stars in a binary system. This model suggests that both stars in the binary system are white dwarfs, with one being slightly more massive than the other. As they orbit each other, the more massive white dwarf loses mass to the less massive one through a process called accretion until it reaches a critical mass and explodes as a SN Ia.

How is the Double Degeneracy Model different from other models for SN Ia progenitors?

The Double Degeneracy Model is different from other models for SN Ia progenitors, such as the Single Degeneracy Model, because it involves two white dwarf stars instead of just one. In the Single Degeneracy Model, a single white dwarf star reaches a critical mass by accreting matter from a companion star, resulting in a SN Ia. However, this model has been challenged by observations that suggest a range of masses and compositions for SN Ia progenitor stars, which the Double Degeneracy Model can account for.

What evidence supports the Double Degeneracy Model for SN Ia Progenitors?

There are several lines of evidence that support the Double Degeneracy Model for SN Ia Progenitors. First, theoretical models have shown that a binary system involving two white dwarf stars can produce the observed properties of SN Ia explosions. Second, observations of SN Ia remnants, which are the remnants of the star that exploded, have revealed the presence of two white dwarf stars in some cases. Finally, recent observations of SN Ia explosions have shown that they can occur in both old and young stellar populations, which is consistent with the Double Degeneracy Model's prediction that SN Ia progenitors can have a range of ages.

What are the potential limitations of the Double Degeneracy Model?

One potential limitation of the Double Degeneracy Model is that it does not explain the presence of hydrogen in some SN Ia explosions. This is because white dwarf stars are expected to be composed primarily of carbon and oxygen, and the fusion of these elements does not produce hydrogen. Additionally, the model may not be able to explain all observed properties of SN Ia explosions, such as the presence of certain elements in their spectra.

How does the Double Degeneracy Model impact our understanding of the universe?

The Double Degeneracy Model has significant implications for our understanding of the universe. If this model is correct, it means that the majority of the heavy elements in the universe, including those that make up our own bodies, were created through SN Ia explosions. Additionally, the use of SN Ia as standard candles to measure distances in the universe relies on our understanding of their progenitors, so the Double Degeneracy Model plays a crucial role in our ability to accurately measure the expansion of the universe.

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