SN1979C - A Case Study of a Type II Radio Supernova

Abstract

Since initial discovery in April 1979, the supernova SN1979C has been an object of intensive study in the radio range (Weiler et al 1981, 1982, 1983, 1986) and at other frequencies (Panagia et al 1980). From its initial radio detection in April 1980, it has remained a bright radio object and monitoring continues to the present day. Initial results for the period from April 1980 to November 1984 have already been discussed elsewhere. We now extend those results to April 1989 and discuss the implications of the physical models. The emission observed from the SN1979C is typical of other Type II radio supernovae and is well determined by a model for non-thermal emission with external, thermal absorption. Data collected for this period show little deviation from the model presented by Weiler et al (1986), thus proving that the model is an accurate description of the activity of the supernova.