9529(  1) - 12/06/01 12:40  - [  1]

    PROPOSAL FOR HUBBLE SPACE TELESCOPE OBSERVATIONS   ST ScI Use Only
                                                       ID:      9529
                                                       Version: 1
                                                       Check-in Date: 06-Dec-2001
                                                                      11:46:12

1.Proposal Title:
The Local Environments of Supernovae
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2. Proposal For  3. Cycle
AR               11
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4. Investigators
                                                                                     Contact?
    PI: Alex Filippenko                   University of California, Berkeley
   CoI: Dr. Weidong Li                    University of California at Berkeley          N
   CoI: Dr. Schuyler Van Dyk              Infrared Processing and Analysis Center       N
   CoI: Dr. Doug Leonard                  University of Massachusetts                   N

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5. Abstract

The locations of supernovae (SNe) in the local stellar and gaseous environment in
galaxies, as measured in high spatial resolution WFPC2 images, contain important
clues to their progenitor stars. They provide accurate determinations of any
association of SNe with H II regions or star clusters. In cases where multi-filter
observations are available, we can determine the local stellar population, setting
constraints on the mass of the progenitor; we can also search for possible
attenuation of the SN by dust in the host galaxy by studying the colors of the stars
in its environment. By checking the fields for background sources, we can correct
the existing SN light curves and luminosities if necessary. When a SN has been
observed incidentally, information can be gained on its optical and UV emission.
Deep HST images can be used to find light echoes of SNe, as well as recover SNe
interacting with circumstellar material at very late times. A direct search for the
progenitor stars of SNe can be made in pre-existing HST images of their locations;
as the number of archival HST images steadily increases, along with the number of
newly discovered SNe, positive identifications become progressively more likely. In
Cycle 11 we plan to extend our successful work from previous cycles. A major
improvement is that excellent ground-based coordinates are now available for
numerous recent SNe.
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                                                9529(  1) - 12/06/01 12:40  - [  2]

            Summary Form for Proposal  9529

  Item                         Used in this proposal
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  Proposal Category            AR
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