Will a Black Hole Soon Emerge from SN 1997D ?

Abstract

Observations combined with theoretical modeling of the light curve of the recently discovered supernova 1997D in NGC 1536 suggest that it might host a black hole formed in the aftermath of the explosion. We consider some observable consequences of a black hole in SN 1997D and estimate the late--time accretion luminosity of the material which falls back onto the hole. We find that this luminosity, decaying with a characteristic power--law dependence on time, may emerge above the emission of the envelope in just a few years. Its detection would thus provide unmistakable evidence for the presence of a black hole.

8 pages, LaTeX, aaspp4.sty style file (AASTEX package), 2 postscript figures (included). To appear in The Astrophysical Journal Letters (scheduled for August 1, 1998 issue, Vol. 502)