Program: GN-2017B-Q-12

We are building a sample of 500 supernovae of all types over three years with lightcurves and spectra from the Las Cumbres Observatory (LCO) Global Supernova Project. We aim to observe SNe within days of explosion, to use shock physics and the presence of circumstellar material to test progenitor models. The sample as a whole will be used in comparative studies of SNe of all types, including building samples of exotic supernovae, about which little is known at early times. Gemini is essential to obtain spectra within days of explosion to screen them, study them at early times, and to trigger other follow-up facilities. This proposal leverages the resources of a major international collaboration and more than two dozen telescopes.