An unusual white dwarf star may be a surviving remnant of a subluminous Type Ia supernova

• Autores: S. Vennes, P. Nemeth, A. Kawka
• Localización: Science, ISSN 0036-8075, Vol. 357, Nº 6352, 2017, págs. 680-683
• Idioma: inglés
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• Resumen

  • Subluminous Type Ia supernovae, such as the Type Iax–class prototype SN 2002cx, are described by a variety of models such as the failed detonation and partial deflagration of an accreting carbon-oxygen white dwarf star or the explosion of an accreting, hybrid carbon-oxygen-neon core. These models predict that bound remnants survive such events with, according to some simulations, a high kick velocity. We report the discovery of a high proper motion, low-mass white dwarf (LP 40-365) that travels at a velocity greater than the Galactic escape velocity and whose peculiar atmosphere is dominated by intermediate-mass elements. Strong evidence indicates that this partially burnt remnant was ejected following a subluminous Type Ia supernova event. This supports the viability of single-degenerate supernova progenitors.