Abstract
We present a measurement of the volumetric rate of `calcium-rich'
optical transients in the local universe, using a sample of three events
from the Palomar Transient Factory (PTF). This measurement builds on a
detailed study of the PTF transient detection efficiencies, and uses a
Monte Carlo simulation of the PTF survey. We measure the volumetric rate
of calcium-rich transients to be higher than previous estimates:
$1.21^{+1.13}_{-0.39}\times10^{-5}$ events yr$^{-1}$ Mpc$^{-3}$. This is
equivalent to 33-94% of the local volumetric type Ia supernova rate.
This calcium-rich transient rate is sufficient to reproduce the observed
calcium abundances in galaxy clusters, assuming an asymptotic calcium
yield per calcium-rich event of ~0.05$\mathrm{M}_{\odot}$. We also study
the PTF detection efficiency of these transients as a function of
position within their candidate host galaxies. We confirm as a real
physical effect previous results that suggest calcium-rich transients
prefer large physical offsets from their host galaxies.
Original language | English |
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Journal | The Astrophysical Journal |
Volume | 858 |
Issue number | 1 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - 04 May 2018 |
Keywords
- Astrophysics - High Energy Astrophysical Phenomena