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[45.03] Light Curves of the Unusual Type Ia Supernova 2000cx

J.C. Lair, M.D. Leising (Clemson University), P.A. Milne (Steward Observatory), G.G. Williams (MMTO)

SN 2000cx in NGC 524 is an unusual Type Ia supernova whose light curve is not fit by current templates or other techniques. The early spectrum and the slow decline rate from peak light of this SN suggest a super-luminous (1991T-like) Type Ia event, although recent distance estimates for the host galaxy suggest it to be normally luminous, or perhaps even sub-luminous. The post-peak light curve of SN 2000cx is also unusual in that the exponential tail is faint in V and its colors are blue. We present late BVRI photometry of SN 2000cx, including observations at >500 days after maximum. At late times, the light curves fall rapidly below the extrapolated exponential curve, perhaps suggesting that radioactive decay positron kinetic energy was not deposited in the ejecta. We describe the implications of this for models of the progenitor and explosion.

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Bulletin of the American Astronomical Society, 35#5
© 2003. The American Astronomical Soceity.