SN 2023axu: A Type IIP Supernova Interacted with a Low-Density Stellar Wind1
SN 2023axu: A Type IIP Supernova Interacted with a Low-Density Stellar Wind1
Zeyi Wang, Jujia Zhang, Qian Zhai, Liping Li, G. Valerin, A. Reguitti, A. Pastorello, Zhenyu Wang, Zeyi Zhao, Tengfei Song, Yongzhi Cai
AbstractWe present photometric and spectroscopic observations of Type IIP supernova SN 2023axu, spanning $\sim$400 d after the explosion. Its light curve is typical of normal SNe IIP, with a V-band peak of $-17.25 \pm 0.06$ mag and no early-time excess indicative of strong circumstellar interaction. The early spectra exhibit a distinctive broad "ledge" near 4600 Å. Through spectral modeling and comparison, we attribute this feature to a blend of C, N, and He lines excited by weak interaction between the ejecta and a low-density stellar wind. The late-time photometric evolution shows no discernible contribution from interaction, arguing against strong late-time circumstellar material engagement and supporting the low-density wind scenario. From modeling, this SN synthesized $\sim 0.055\,M_\odot$ of $^{56}$Ni, and nebular spectrum analysis indicates a progenitor mass near $15\,M_\odot$. SN 2023axu thus exemplifies weak ejecta-wind interaction and highlights the diversity of mass-loss histories and circumstellar environments of SNe II progenitors.