Abstract for Proposal 090330

Unveiling the energy source of Super-luminous Supernovae

We propose an in-depth study of 1 Super-Luminous Supernova (SLSN). SLSN are >10 times more luminous than ordinary SN and represent the deaths of the most massive stars in our Universe. Their extreme luminosity requires exotic explosion mechanisms and sources of energy whose nature is unclear. Here we propose a focused XMM program to map their X-ray emission down to unprecedented limits as part of our multi-wavelength effort (UV, optical/NIR, radio, hard X-rays). The final goal is to: (i) Constrain the energy source of SLSN; (ii) Map the diversity of the pre-explosion evolution of their progenitors. (iii) Constrain their possible association with Gamma-Ray Bursts. Our study opens a new window of investigation on the physics of the most powerful stellar explosions

Details on Observing Strategy and Trigger Criteria
TRIGGERING CRITERIA= (i) Spectroscopically classified Type I or Type II SLSN accessible to XMM (ii) relatively young (i.e. caught around or before maximum light); (iii) z<=500 Mpc REACTION TIME= the first epoch will be acquired around maximum optical light (i.e. 30 days after explosion). XMM reaction time needed is of ~15 days since trigger TOO FOLLOW UP INSTRUCTIONS: The first ToO will be triggered ~50 days after the first activation (~100 days rest frame since explosion). The second ToO will happen ~150 days later (t~250 days since explosion) or as late as the program allows.