The National Science Foundation (NSF) awarded a $531,469 Project Grant under the Mathematical and Physical Sciences (CFDA 47.049) program to the University of California, Davis to conduct collaborative research on studying nearby cosmic explosions from their earliest moments. The research team will enhance its rapid survey for the nearest and brightest supernovae, incorporating new infrastructure to identify even younger nearby supernovae. As part of this work, three graduate students will contribute to supernova science and develop technical, analytical, and communication skills. The research will also engage the public through a software bootcamp and planetarium shows. Over three years, the team expects to discover 30 very young nearby supernovae, including 12 thermonuclear, 12 core collapse, and 6 stripped envelope supernovae, using data from their own survey and other supernova searches. Early spectroscopy will analyze the composition of the circumstellar medium, while time-sampled spectroscopy will measure the ejecta composition and distribution. No subcontracts or subawards are planned for this grant.
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