Astrophysics - Cosmology and Nongalactic Astrophysics

A Multi-wavelength Investigation of the Radio-loud Supernova PTF11qcj and its Circumstellar Environment

We present the discovery, classification, and extensive panchromatic (from radio to X-ray) follow-up observations of PTF11qcj, a supernova (SN) discovered by the Palomar Transient Factory (PTF). Our observations with the Karl G. Jansky Very Large …

Type IIb Supernova SN 2011dh: Spectra and Photometry from the Ultraviolet to the Near-infrared

We report spectroscopic and photometric observations of the Type IIb SN 2011dh obtained between 4 and 34 days after the estimated date of explosion (May 31.5 UT). The data cover a wide wavelength range from 2000 ̊A in the ultraviolet (UV) to 2.4 μm …

A Population of Massive, Luminous Galaxies Hosting Heavily Dust-obscured Gamma-Ray Bursts: Implications for the Use of GRBs as Tracers of Cosmic Star Formation

We present observations and analysis of the host galaxies of 23 heavily dust-obscured gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) observed by the Swift satellite during the years 2005-2009, representing all GRBs with an unambiguous host-frame extinction of A$_V$ > 1 …

An early and comprehensive millimetre and centimetre wave and X-ray study of SN 2011dh: a non-equipartition blast wave expanding into a massive stellar wind

Only a handful of supernovae (SNe) have been studied in multiwavelengths from the radio to X-rays, starting a few days after the explosion. The early detection and classification of the nearby Type IIb SN 2011dh/PTF 11eon in M51 provides a unique …

SN 2000cx and SN 2013bh: extremely rare, nearly twin Type Ia supernovae

The Type Ia supernova (SN Ia) SN 2000cx was one of the most peculiar transients ever discovered, with a rise to maximum brightness typical of a SN Ia, but a slower decline and a higher photospheric temperature. 13 yr later SN 2013bh (also known as …

Gemini Spectroscopy of the Short-hard Gamma-Ray Burst GRB 130603B Afterglow and Host Galaxy

We present early optical photometry and spectroscopy of the afterglow and host galaxy of the bright short-duration gamma-ray burst GRB 130603B discovered by the Swift satellite. Using our Target of Opportunity program on the Gemini South telescope, …

An Independent Measurement of the Incidence of Mg II Absorbers along Gamma-Ray Burst Sight Lines: The End of the Mystery?

In 2006, Prochter et al. reported a statistically significant enhancement of very strong Mg II absorption systems intervening the sight lines to gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) relative to the incidence of such absorption along quasar sight lines. This …

Type Ia Supernovae Strongly Interacting with Their Circumstellar Medium

Owing to their utility for measurements of cosmic acceleration, Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) are perhaps the best-studied class of SNe, yet the progenitor systems of these explosions largely remain a mystery. A rare subclass of SNe Ia shows evidence …

Discovery of a Cosmological, Relativistic Outburst via its Rapidly Fading Optical Emission

We report the discovery by the Palomar Transient Factory (PTF) of the transient source PTF11agg, which is distinguished by three primary characteristics: (1) bright (R $_peak$ = 18.3 mag), rapidly fading (ΔR = 4 mag in Δt = 2 days) optical transient …

A Study of the Diverse T Dwarf Population Revealed by WISE

We report the discovery of 87 new T dwarfs uncovered with the Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer (WISE) and 3 brown dwarfs with extremely red near-infrared colors that exhibit characteristics of both L and T dwarfs. Two of the new T dwarfs are …