Finding tracers for supernova produced 26Al

Abstract

We consider the cospatial production of elements in supernova explosions to find observationally detectable proxies for enhancement of 26Al in supernova ejecta and stellar systems. Using four progenitors, we explore a range of one-dimensional explosions at different energies and an asymmetric three-dimensional explosion. We find that the most reliable indicator of the presence of 26Al in unmixed ejecta is a very low S/Si ratio (0.05). Production of N in O/S/Si-rich regions is also indicative. The biologically important element P is produced at its highest abundance in the same regions. Proxies should be detectable in supernova ejecta with high spatial resolution multiwavelength observations, but the small absolute abundance of material injected into a proto-planetary disk makes detection unlikely in existing or forming stellar/planetary systems. © 2009. The American Astronomical Society.