My Research
This summer, I have investigated precursor activity in Type IIn SNe using data from the ATLAS Transient Survey. Working alongside Dr Shubham Srivastav and Professor Stephen Smartt, I have developed and applied analytical methods to search for and characterise faint precursor outbursts in supernova light curves.
The main focus of my project was to develop a precursor outburst detection algorithm and assess its reliability. This involved a false detection analysis to evaluate an appropriate statistical detection threshold and injection/recovery simulations where synthetic precursors were injected into progenitor light curves with no apparent activity. By varying the characteristic timescale, injection date and peak luminosity, I quantified the recovery efficiency of the detection algorithm across a range of precursor properties and observational conditions. This demonstrates how effects such as observational cadence, distance, and seasonal gaps due to solar conjunction can limit our ability to detect faint outbursts.
Understanding the prevalence and properties of precursor activity in Type IIn SNe is important for constraining the processes responsible for the dense CSM surrounding the progenitors, providing greater insight into the final stages of massive star evolution.