Speaker
Description
Since the launch of the X-ray satellite Einstein Probe (EP) in 2024, we have finally been able to constrain the origins of several fast X-ray transients (FXTs). Astrophysical transients are known across, and beyond, the whole electromagnetic spectrum, including gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) and gravitational waves. But for long our knowledge on the progenitors of FXTs remained poor. Now that we are able to do rapid localization and follow-up, it has been revealed that many FXTs originate from the collapse of massive stars, and produce type Ic broad-lined supernovae (Ic-BL SNe), similar to those associated with long duration GRBs. Despite the emerging unifying picture, the detailed properties of the bursts differ. This indicates that there are multiple physical processes at play such as central engine activity and interactions with the surrounding medium.
Studying these FXTs not only helps us to understand their progenitors, but they are also highly important for exploring the early universe and Ic-BL SNe therein. At redshifts $z>1$, SNe are very challenging to detect from the ground in optical or near-infrared light. The high energy X-ray and gamma-ray emission is, however, far more easily observable and precedes the SN by days to weeks. FXTs therefore provide an early warning for discovering distant Ic-BL SNe with space telescopes such as Hubble and James Webb. Comparing these distant SNe to nearby ones, enables us to study the evolution in SN properties across cosmic time.
In this talk, I will present an analysis of the differences and similarities between FXTs associated with Ic-BL SNe. Additionally, I will highlight my recent research that let to the detection of the furthest spectroscopically confirmed GRB-SN to date, SN 2024aihh related to the EP-discovered FXT EP240801a.
| Talk category | NOVA Network 3 |
|---|---|
| PhD relevance | 2nd |
