Single Star Progenitors for Type Ia Supernovae

Abstract

Type Ia supernovae are identified as exploding degenerate stars. Their luminosity is due to the radioactive decay of about a solar mass of 56Ni through 56Co to 56Fe. Although it is generally accepted that a degenerate carbon/oxygen white dwarf explodes as it accretes material from a binary companion, the progenitors of type Ia supernovae have not been categorically identified. The cores of intermediate mass asymptotic giant branch stars are composed of carbon and oxygen in a degenerate state. We discuss conditions under which carbon can ignite at the centre of such a core and when the ensuing explosion would appear as a type Ia supernova. Show more