Program: GS-2017B-LP-13
Title: | The K2 Supernova Experiment - Campaigns 16 and 17 |
PI: | Peter Garnavich |
Co-I(s): | Ed Shaya, Brad Tucker, Armin Rest, Steven Margheim, Dan Kasen |
Abstract
We are continuing our successful program using Kepler/K2 to search for supernovae. The early light-curves of supernovae contain important information on nature of these systems and their progenitor systems. Traditional, ground-based, supernovae surveys typically detect supernovae days after the initial explosion and have sparse data for the earliest times after explosion. Very few well-studied supernovae have both the early-detection and cadence necessary to detect these early-time features in their light curves. Kepler K2 provides a continuous 30-minute cadence and crucial observations of the early rise time, previously inaccessible to other studies. This early information, combined with the exquisite photometric accuracy available from a space-based observatory, allows us, for the first time, to compare theoretical models and progenitor system signatures to observations. Without knowing the type of transient object and full-color information, the scientific usefulness of the dataset will be limited. Spectroscopic confirmation and classification is imperative to the success of our experiment and Gemini, with world-class rapid-response and light-gathering power, has a set of unique capabilities needed for this project. Kepler/K2 Campaign fields 16 and 17 are being dedicated to monitoring ~20,000 galaxies in order to provide a statistical sample of the best supernovae light curves ever obtained. These fields are being observed by Kepler/K2 in forward-facing mode that will allow for simultaneous observations from the ground. Spectroscopic observations with GMOS/Gemini are crucial to the overall success of this project.
Publications using this program's data
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[data]
[ADS] SN2017jgh: a high-cadence complete shock cooling light curve of a SN IIb with the Kepler telescope