Supernovae X-Ray Analysis: From Swift to SIBEX

Abstract

A supernova is an explosion of a stellar body at the end of its lifespan that creates shock waves that can sometimes emit X-rays. An X-ray is a form of radiation and light with a wavelength ranging from 0.5-2.5 Å that can be used to make constraints on the physics of the explosion and understand more about the nature of the supernova’s environment. Previous X-ray emissions from supernovae have been observed by telescope systems such as the Roentgen Satellite (ROSAT), Chandra, and Swift. The data from these observations have been made available on databases such as the Swift X-Ray Telescope (XRT) Database and the Supernova X-Ray Database (SNaX). Count rates and upper limits for 18 different supernovae were measured using an online XRT analysis tool, converted to fluxes and luminosities, and plotted using Python. Analyses of these data sets will be useful in understanding what could be seen by a proposed future spacecraft SIBEX, the Shock Interaction/Breakout Explorer. SIBEX will be a satellite telescope that allows for detection of supernovae at the moment of explosion rather than in the days or months after explosion. This will allow for quicker observations, which will provide more time for scientists to make observations and expand human knowledge.