Grant For Research NNX15AM03G

This is a $317,771.48 grant awarded by NASA's Shared Services Center to the University of Pittsburgh to support research on using X-ray spectra of Type Ia supernova remnants observed by the Suzaku satellite to gain insights into the physics of Type Ia supernovae and the nature of their progenitors. The goal is to analyze Suzaku data to measure the fluxes of secondary Fe-peak elements like Mn, Cr, and Ni in order to determine the thermonuclear combustion regime and metallicity of the progenitors. This research will provide the first sample of metallicities and ages for Type Ia supernova progenitors in different environments, which can be used to validate progenitor evolution scenarios. The grant does not have a set-aside designation, as the University of Pittsburgh competes for federal research funding as a large public research institution.