X-ray Swift observations of SN 2018cow [HEAP]

http://arxiv.org/abs/1807.06369


Supernova (SN) 2018cow is an optical transient detected in the galaxy CGCG 137-068. It has been classified as a SN due to various characteristics in its optical spectra. The transient is also a bright X-ray source. We present results of the analysis of ~62ks of X-ray observations taken with the Neil Gehrels Swift Observatory over 27 days. We found a variable behavior in the 0.3-10keV X-ray light curve of SN 2018cow, with variability timescales of days. The observed X-ray variability could be due to the interaction between the SN ejecta and a non-uniform circum-stellar medium, perhaps related to previous mass ejections from a luminous-blue-variable-like progenitor.

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L. Sandoval, T. Maccarone, A. Corsi, et. al.
Wed, 18 Jul 18
79/90

Comments: Submitted to MNRAS letters