Program: GN-2007A-Q-8

Title:The Nature of Dark Energy from Type Ia Supernovae
PI:Isobel Hook
Co-I(s): Ray Carlberg, Andy Howell, Don Neill, Kathy Perrett, * Chris Pritchet, Mark Sullivan, Richard McMahon, Justin Bronder, Greg Aldering, * Saul Perlmutter, Reynald Pain, Alex Conley

Abstract

Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) currently provide the most direct evidence for an accelerating Universe and for the existence of an unknown "dark energy". The 5-year Supernova Legacy Survey (SNLS) is generating a definitive dataset with well-sampled g'r'i'z' light curves and spectroscopic confirmation, which together allow precise measurement of the cosmological parameters. We are now entering the final 18 months of this highly successful survey. With the full, final sample we expect to determine the cosmological equation of state parameter "w" to a statistical precision of +/-0.05 or better, testing theories for the origin of the universal acceleration. The amount of spectroscopic follow-up performed is central to the success of the survey. Approximately 500 SNe Ia will be spectroscopically confirmed in a coherent program involving Gemini, VLT and Keck. Nod-and-shuffle observations at Gemini play a pivotal role. The goal for Gemini this semester is to obtain types and redshifts for ~30 SN Ia candidates with redshifts 0.6-0.9, contributing to a dataset superior to any existing - or planned - sample. This is a continuing QR (quick response) proposal for GMOS-N.

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