Illuminating kilonovae and Type Ia supernovae

The project aims at illuminating kilonovae and Type Ia supernovae using radiative transfer simulations, with a focus on exploring the asymmetric nature of these explosions.

Realistic geometries predicted by state-of-the-art hydrodynamic models will be used in place of idealized geometries as typically done in the literature.

The project will deliver quantitative predictions for hydrodynamic models that, when compared to telescope data, will constrain the physical properties of these explosions.The project, if funded, will be done at the Department of Astronomy at Stockholm University. The work will be carried out by the applicant together with a PhD student entirely financed by the host institution.

However, the project will benefit from the existing collaborations with S. Rosswog, K. Kyutoku, Z.-W. Liu and F. Roepke, world-leading experts that will provide access to the required state-of-the-art hydrodynamic models. Collaborations with M. Coughlin and S.

Dhawan will also be beneficial in using kilonova predictions to measure the local expansion of the Universe.The project will exploit a well-defined and tested pipeline divided in three work packages:[WP1] Selecting and implementing hydrodynamic models;[WP2] Performing radiative transfer simulations using two codes recently developed by the applicant;[WP3] Comparing models to observations available through four international collaborations the applicant is part of.

The project is expected to lead to at least 10 publications.