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Type IA SupernovaeSpectral calculations show that a model based on the thermonuclear explosion of a degenerate carbon/oxygen white dwarf provides excellent agreement with observations of Type Ia supernovae. Identification of suitable evolutionary progenitors remains a severe problem. General problems with estimation of supernova rates are outlined and the origin of Type Ia supernovae from double degenerate systems are discussed in the context of new rates of explosion per H band luminosity, the lack of observed candidates, and the likely presence of H in the vicinity of some SN Ia events. Re-examination of the problems of triggering Type Ia by accretion of hydrogen from a companion shows that there may be an avenue involving cataclysmic variables, especially if extreme hibernation occurs. Novae may channel accreting white dwarfs to a unique locus in accretion rate/mass space. Systems that undergo secular evolution to higher mass transfer rates could lead to just the conditions necessary for a Type Ia explosion. Tests involving fluorescence or absorption in a surrounding circumstellar medium and the detection of hydrogen stripped from a companion, which should appear at low velocity inside the white dwarf ejecta, are suggested. Possible observational confirmation of the former is described.
Document ID
19970019015
Acquisition Source
Headquarters
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Wheeler, J. Craig
(Texas Univ. Austin, TX United States)
Date Acquired
August 17, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1992
Publication Information
Publication: Evolutionary Processes in Interacting Binary Stars
Publisher: IAU
Subject Category
Astrophysics
Report/Patent Number
NAS 1.26:203798
NASA-CR-203798
Accession Number
97N71800
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAGw-1807
CONTRACT_GRANT: NSF 89-15754
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Public Use Permitted.
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