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arXiv · 2203.12747

Seven Years of SN 2014C: a Multi-Wavelength Synthesis of an Extraordinary Supernova

Benjamin P. Thomas·J. Craig Wheeler·Vikram V. Dwarkadas·Christopher Stockdale·Jozsef Vinko·David Pooley·Yerong Xu·Greg Zeimann·Phillip MacQueen
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Abstract

SN 2014C was originally classified as a Type Ib supernova, but at phase ϕ = 127 d post-explosion strong Hα emission was observed. SN 2014C has since been observed in radio, infrared, optical and X-ray bands. Here we present new optical spectroscopic and photometric data spanning ϕ = 947 - 2494 d post-explosion. We address the evolution of the broadened Hα emission line, as well as broad [O III] emission and other lines. We also conduct a parallel analysis of all publicly available multi-wavelength data. From our spectra, we find a nearly constant Hα FWHM velocity width of {\sim}2000 km/s that is significantly lower than that of other broadened atomic transitions ({\sim}3000 - 7000 km/s) present in our spectra ([O I] λ6300; [O III] λλ4959,5007; He I λ7065; [Ca II] λλ7291,7324). The late radio data demand a fast forward shock ({\sim}10,000 km/s at ϕ = 1700 d) in rarified matter that contrasts with the modest velocity of the Hα. We propose that the infrared flux originates from a toroidal-like structure of hydrogen surrounding the progenitor system, while later emission at other wavelengths (radio, X-ray) likely originates predominantly from the reverse shock in the ejecta and the forward shock in the quasi-spherical progenitor He wind. We propose that the Hα emission arises in the boundary layer between the ejecta and torus. We also consider the possible roles of a pulsar and a binary companion.

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Benjamin P. Thomas, J. Craig Wheeler, Vikram V. Dwarkadas, Christopher Stockdale, Jozsef Vinko, David Pooley, Yerong Xu, Greg Zeimann, Phillip MacQueen. 2022-03-23. Seven Years of SN 2014C: a Multi-Wavelength Synthesis of an Extraordinary Supernova. https://doi.org/10.3847/1538-4357%2Fac5fa6

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