[vsnet-chat 55] Re: Supernova Type 1 candidates / progenitors

[Taichi Kato <tkato>]

Berto Monard wrote:

> surely, most
> overweight WDs will go bang at their time! Where else are the
> progenitors of the supernovae Type 1 then, iow how do WDs
> increase their mass if not in close binaries? 

    This point has been argued by many authors.  Not all accreting white
dwarfs are expected to be observed as novae or typical CVs.  Some may be
found in symbiotic binaries, others may reside in the recently discovered
class of binaries called supersoft X-ray sources (SSS).  The latter class,
named after its peculiar characteristics emitting most of its energy in
soft X-ray and extreme UV regions, is claimed to have rapidly accreting
white dwarfs with steadily burning surfaces.  Quite fortunate (?) for
southerners, most of known SSS's reside in the LMC and the SMC; there is
only one in the northern hemisphere -- the VSOLJ has already started regular
monitoring of this star (RX J0019.8+2156) in order to detect a possible
supernova explosion -- what an immortal mind of pursuit!
There is another way to make SNe Ia, by merging binary white dwarfs.

    Hope supernovae professionals probably have a lecture further...

    By the way, what about Monard's initial query whether supernova explosions
(or collapses?) could be triggered by nova explosions?

Regards,
Taichi Kato

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