James Webb Space Telescope Feed Post

Arxiv: JWST NIRSpec+MIRI Observations of the nearby Type IIP supernova 2022acko Published: 1/25/2024 9:09:10 PM Updated: 1/25/2024 9:09:10 PM

Paper abstract: We present JWST spectral and photometric observations of the Type IIPsupernova (SN) 2022acko at ~50 days past explosion. These data are the firstJWST spectral observations of a core-collapse SN. We identify ~30 different H Ifeatures, other features associated with products produced from the CNO cycle,and s-process elements such as Sc II and Ba II. By combining the JWST spectrawith ground-based optical and NIR spectra, we construct a full Spectral EnergyDistribution from 0.4 to 25 microns and find that the JWST spectra are fullyconsistent with the simultaneous JWST photometry. The data lack signatures ofCO formation and we estimate a limit on the CO mass of < 10^{-8} solar mass. Wedemonstrate how the CO fundamental band limits can be used to probe underlyingphysics during stellar evolution, explosion, and the environment. Theobservations indicate little mixing between the H envelope and C/O core in theejecta and show no evidence of dust. The data presented here set a criticalbaseline for future JWST observations, where possible molecular and dustformation may be seen.