The imprint of their explosions: Using supernova remnants to understand stellar death

(postponed due to Covid-19 pandemic social distancing measures) , level 7 Conference Room, David Caro Building
Dr Katie Auchettl The University of Melbourne

Email: katie.auchettl@unimelb.edu.au

Abstract

One of the most uncertain aspects related to our understanding of the end points of stellar evolution is the link between the progenitor star and the nature of the supernova explosion that the progenitor will undergo. Even though hundreds of supernovae are discovered each year by optical surveys, these sources are usually too distance to resolve the ejecta and immediate surrounding of the exploded star. However, due to their long lifetimes and close proximity, supernova remnants which are the long lived structures that results from the supernova explosion of either a white dwarf or a massive star, provide us with a unique opportunity to study supernova explosion and dynamics up close and in detail. In this talk, I will highlight some recent advances that have been made in the understanding of supernovae and their progenitors using wavelength studies of supernova remnants.