Gamma rays from a supernova of type Ia: SN2014J

Abstract

SN2014J is the closest supernova of type Ia that occurred in the last 40 years. This provides an opportunity for unprecedented observational detail and coverage in many astronomical bands, which will help to better understand the still unknown astro-physics of these supernovae. For the first time, such an event occurs sufficiently nearby so that also γ-rays are able to contribute to such investigations. This is important, as the primary source of the supernova light is the radioactive energy from about 0.5 M⊙ of 56Ni produced in the explosion, and the γ rays associated with this decay make the supernova shine for months. The INTEGRAL γ-ray observatory of ESA has followed the supernova emission for almost 5 months. The characteristic γ-ray lines from the 56Ni decay chain through 56Co to 56Fe have been measured. We discuss these observations, and the implications of the measured γ-ray line characteristics as they evolve. (© 2015 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim).