The optical light curves of SN 1980N and SN 1981D in NGC 1316 (Fornax A)
Author
dc.contributor.author
Hamuy Wackenhut, Mario
Author
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Phillips, M. M.
es_CL
Author
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Maza Sancho, José
es_CL
Author
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Wischnjewsky, Marina
es_CL
Author
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Uomoto, Alan
es_CL
Author
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Landolt, Arlo U.
es_CL
Author
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Khatwani, Rani
es_CL
Admission date
dc.date.accessioned
2014-01-14T18:06:15Z
Available date
dc.date.available
2014-01-14T18:06:15Z
Publication date
dc.date.issued
1991
Cita de ítem
dc.identifier.citation
The astrophysical journal, 102: 208-217. 1991
en_US
Identifier
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0004-6256
Identifier
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https://repositorio.uchile.cl/handle/2250/126244
General note
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Artículo de publicación ISI
en_US
Abstract
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We present optical photometry of the two supernovae, 1980N and 1981D, which appeared in the peculiar D-type galaxy NGC 1316 (Fornax A). These data are combined with published observations to produce definitive optical light curves. We find that the maximum-light magnitudes of both supernovae were the same to within +/- 0.1 mag, in agreement with infrared light curve observations. The shapes of the UBV light curves of the best observed of the two supernovae, 1980N, closely resembled those of the type Ia prototype SN 1981B. We also show that an optical spectrum of SN 1980N taken 30 days after B maximum was virtually identical to a spectrum of SN 1981B obtained at the same point in its evolution. These findings lend support to claims that the majority of type Ia supernovae form a highly homogeneous class of objects. Nevertheless, the B - V colors at B maximum of the NGC 1316 supernovae were 0.3-0.5 mag redder than previous estimates of the intrinsic B - V color type of Ia supernovae at this phase. Although dust extinction within NGC 1316 could explain this difference, there is little evidence to support such a large reddening. By comparing the photometric data of SN 1980N with the light curves of SN 1984A in NGC 4419, and by assuming that the absolute magnitudes of the majority of type Ia supernovae are indeed very similar, NGC 1316 would appear to be at essentially the same distance as the core of the Virgo Cluster.