Program: GN-2005A-Q-49

We propose to obtain pre-supernova-explosion IR imaging of nearby <12Mpc late-type galaxies in order to identify and define the nature of the progenitor after a core-collapse SN (Type Ib/c and II) has occurred. Optical imaging data from an approved and completed HST 'snapshot' program, and completed VLT ISAAC imaging of a southern hemisphere sample will complement this project. Current core-collapse SNe rates suggest that 1 SN each 1-2 years will occur in the full sample. After discovery we will determine if the progenitor star was a red supergiant, as stellar evolutionary models still predict. NIRI observations will allow us to cover the main star-forming regions in each galaxy and to confidently detect M0-M4 Ia-b supergiants with Mv <= -5.5. The images will be available in the archive for other studies such as the distribution of red supergiant stars in these galaxies and hence sites of starbursts.