Multi-wavelength observations of supernova 2011ei: time-dependent classification of type iib and ib supernovae and implications for their progenitors

Abstract

We present X-ray, UV/optical, and radio observations of the stripped-envelope, core-collapse supernova (SN) 2011ei, one of the least luminous SNe IIb or Ib observed to date. Our observations begin with a discovery within 1 day of explosion and span several months afterward. Early optical spectra exhibit broad, Type II-like hydrogen Balmer profiles that subside rapidly and are replaced by Type Ib-like He-rich features on the timescale of one week. High-cadence monitoring of this transition identifies an absorption feature around 6250 °A to be chiefly due to hydrogen, as opposed to C II, Ne I, or Si II. Similarities between this observed feature and several SNe Ib suggest that hydrogen absorption attributable to a high velocity (& 12, 000 km s−1) H-rich shell is not rare in Type Ib events. Radio observations imply a shock velocity of v 0.13c and a progenitor star mass-loss rate of ˙M 1.4 × 10−5 M⊙ yr−1 (assuming wind velocity vw = 103 km s−1). This is consistent with independent constraints estimated from deep X-ray observations with Swift -XRT and Chandra. We find the multi-wavelength properties of SN2011ei to be consistent with the explosion of a lower-mass (3−4 M⊙), compact (R∗ 1×1011 cm), He core star. The star retained a thin hydrogen envelope at the time of outburst, and was embedded in an inhomogeneous circumstellar wind suggestive of modest episodic mass-loss. We conclude that SN2011ei’s rapid spectral metamorphosis calls attention to time-dependent classifications that bias estimates of explosion rates for a subset of Type IIb and Ib objects. Further, that important information about a progenitor star’s evolutionary state and associated mass-loss in the days to years prior to SN outburst can be inferred from timely multi-wavelength observations.