Abstract for Proposal 096164

X-rays and "Flash" Spectroscopy as an Unprecedented Probe of Mass-loss

The overarching goal is to identify the unknown progenitors of both H-poor, core-collapse and Calcium-Rich supernovae (SNe) by mapping the mass-loss history in the final years before explosion through the novel combination of X-ray emission and ``flash'' spectroscopy as a probe of the circumstellar environment. This coordinated observational technique is now possible with a new Zwicky Transient Facility (ZTF) infant SN census that will systematically discover and spectroscopcially classify young SNe at D<60 Mpc within ~days of explosion.

Details on Observing Strategy and Trigger Criteria
TRIGGERING CRITERIA: (i) Spectroscopically classified SN IIb or Ibc or Calcium- rich transient at d ~ 40 Mpc with confirmed flash-ionized spectral features, (ii) caught within 10 days of explosion, and (iii) accessible to XMM. FOLLOW-UP CRITERIA: The first epoch will be triggered as soon as a transient satisfying our triggering criteria is discovered and will require rapid turn around of few days. A second epoch will be acquired within ~20 days of explosion or detection date.