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arXiv · 1610.02402

The Search for Failed Supernovae with the Large Binocular Telescope: Constraints from 7 Years of Data

S. M. Adams·C. S. Kochanek·J. R. Gerke·K. Z. Stanek
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Abstract

We report updated results for the first 7 years of our program to monitor 27 galaxies within 10 Mpc using the Large Binocular Telescope to search for failed supernovae (SNe) -- core-collapses of massive stars that form black holes without luminous supernovae. In the new data, we identify no new compelling candidates and confirm the existing candidate. Given the 6 successful core-collapse SNe in the sample and one likely failed SN, the implied fraction of core-collapses that result in failed SNe is $f = 0.14^{+0.33}_{-0.10}$ at 90% confidence. If the current candidate is a failed SN, the fraction of failed SN naturally explains the missing high-mass red supergiant SN progenitors and the black hole mass function. If the current candidate is ultimately rejected, the data implies a 90% confidence upper limit on the failed SN fraction of $f < 0.35$.

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S. M. Adams, C. S. Kochanek, J. R. Gerke, K. Z. Stanek. 2016-10-07. The Search for Failed Supernovae with the Large Binocular Telescope: Constraints from 7 Years of Data. https://doi.org/10.1093/mnras/stx898

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