Univeristy of Chicago1, Astronomy and Astrophysics, Chicago, IL 60637 University of Chicago2, Astronomy and Astrophysics, Chicago, IL 60637
Supernovae are classified based on the optical spectra. Type IIn supernovae are so-called because they show narrow hydrogen lines over a broad base in their spectra. This paper calculates mass-loss rates for the surrounding medium based on the radio and X-ray data of Type IIn’s. They have been compared for consistency with each other and with other type II supernova. The X-Ray emission is found to be a mix of emission from the forward shock and the reverse shock. We cannot be sure how much each shock contributes to the observed luminosity. Based on the cooling times and the reverse or forward shock luminosities compared to the observed luminosity, we have calculated the mass loss rates. The mass loss rates range from 10−5 to 10−4 M⊙ yr−1 . This is true for radio and X-ray, with the radio being slightly lower than the X-ray. The optical mass loss rates appear to be higher than the radio and X-ray, 10−4 to 10−3 M⊙ yr−1 . This implies that optical emission is coming from a cooler , denser area than the radio and X-ray. We have especially looked at supernovae 1986J, 1995N, 1998S, 1978K and 1988Z. The mass loss rates are relatively higher for type IIn’s compared to other type II supernova. This implies that Type IIn supernovae are expanding into a denser CSM than other supernovae.
[Abstract (TXT)]