Understanding the Variability of Quiescent Supernova Imposters
Noel Richardson
Université de Montréal
Recent supernovae surveys have found several transient events that
resemble core-collapse supernovae, but where the star continues to shine
afterwards. These stars are believed to be unstable, evolved massive stars
that underwent an episodic mass-loss event where anywhere from 0.1 to 10
solar masses are shed from the star's surface quickly. I will review recent
developments for two nearby Galactic analogs, P Cygni and eta Carinae,
that underwent similar episodes in the past. I will compare the stellar
environments as well as the variability properties. I will follow with a
discussion about why these and some other particular stars are interesting in
the context of understanding the rare supernova imposters as well as in
the context of massive stellar evolution.
Date: | Thursday, 1 November 2012 |
Time: | 11:30 |
Where: | Université de Montréal |
| Pavillon Roger-Gaudry, local D-460 |
Contact: | Nicole St-Louis |
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