Swift UVOT Spectra of SN2012AW

Swift followed the development of the SN2012aw spectra. The spectra show the increasing absorption due to metals in the UV over time.

The Swift UVOT spectra

There are two processes that affect the spectra: effective temperature of the photosphere and ionisation/excitation processes. Dividing out the continuum emission of the blackbody radiation of the photosphere clarifies the development of absorption of the radiation field over time.

Swift UVOT spectra normalised by the continuum of the Blackbody photospheric emission.

More details and analysis are being published:

• the exceptionally long plateaux in the UV emission.