Superluminous Supernovae now and in the future

Lead Research Organisation: University of Portsmouth
Department Name: Institute of Cosmology and Gravitation

Abstract

Superluminous supernovae (SLSNe) are extraordinary events; 100 times brighter than normal supernova. Recent advances in survey astronomy have started to uncover these explosions at a much higher rate than previously envisioned and future surveys by LSST could uncover thousands of such events. This studentship will investigate the continued detection and quantification of this population of events, looking at their physical properties (luminosities, environments) and determining if they form a coherent, homogeneous population. While looking for SLSNe, other interesting objects are possible including gravitationally lensed supernova which are rarer than SLSNe but provide possibly the perfect cosmological probe. This studentship will investigate using data from Dark Energy Survey and LSST simulations to assess the two phenomena.

Publications

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Studentship Projects

Project Reference Relationship Related To Start End Student Name
ST/N504245/1 01/10/2015 30/09/2021
1651183 Studentship ST/N504245/1 01/10/2015 30/09/2019 Benjamin Thomas
 
Description Observing Trip for the Dark Energy Survey to La Serena, Chile
Amount £2,000 (GBP)
Organisation University of Portsmouth 
Sector Academic/University
Country United Kingdom
Start 11/2016 
End 12/2017
 
Description The Dark Energy Survey Supernova Group 
Organisation Dark Energy Survey (DES)
Country Global 
Sector Charity/Non Profit 
PI Contribution My current research focuses on using the Dark Energy Survey Supernova Group (DES-SN) data to compute the rate of Hydrogen Poor Superluminous Supernovae. Although DES-SN focuses primarily on cosmological constraints from Type 1a SNe, the data can be used to study any optical transient found in the 10 DES-SN fields. I have presented my work to the group via telecon, and my paper is preparation for publication. This publication will include the DES-SN group as authors.
Collaborator Contribution My supervisor Prof. Bob Nichol is an essential member of DES-SN, and has previously been Chair of the working group. This is an ongoing international collaboration and we have biannual group meetings to discuss the progress of the project, as well as regular telecons and occasional observing trips.
Impact The publication currently listed within this award is the main outcome of my involvement in the collaboration so far.
Start Year 2016
 
Description Astronomy on Tap, Portsmouth 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Postgraduate students
Results and Impact Astronomy on Tap is a public engagement event where the public can come along to a local pub and hear astronomy talks in an informal setting. I have been involved in this very successful event throughout my PhD and the public always report having a great time and really enjoying learning about astronomy and cosmology.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2016,2017
URL https://astronomyontap.org/author/lucynewnham/
 
Description Stargazing Live, Portsmouth 
Form Of Engagement Activity Participation in an activity, workshop or similar
Part Of Official Scheme? No
Geographic Reach Regional
Primary Audience Postgraduate students
Results and Impact Stargazing Live is an event held by the Institute of Cosmology and Gravitation at the University of Portsmouth. The event is held at the local Historic Dockyard and engages over a thousand members of the general public in astronomy related talks and activities. This event boosts the public's interest and knowledge of astronomy and cosmology. Without the award I would not have been able to participate in this event.
Year(s) Of Engagement Activity 2016,2017,2018