Spitzer Space Telescope - Directors Discretionary Time Proposal #264


Insight into the Progenitor of the Type Ia Supernova 2005gj

Principal Investigator: Darren DePoy
           Institution: Ohio State University

Co-Investigators: 
Jose Prieto, Ohio State U.                                            
Peter Garnavich, U. Notre Dame                                        
Gaston Folatelli, Carnegie Institution of Washington                  
Mario Hamuy, Universidad de Chile                                     
Masao Sako, SLAC, Standford U.                                        
Joshua Frieman, Fermilab, U. Chicago                                  

Science Category: evolved stars/pn/sne 
 Observing Modes: IracMap 
  Hours Approved: 0.8 

Abstract:
We propose to measure the spectral energy distribution of the unusual
and exciting supernova 2005gj.  This event is only the second clear
case of a thermonuclear explosion going off in a dense circumstellar
environment (SN 2002ic was the first) and is a rare opportunity to
characterize properties of the companion star thought to be donating
mass to the white dwarf primary.  SN 2005gj was discovered by the
Sloan Digital Sky Survey Supernova Search and has a more extensive
optical/near-IR light curve and spectral coverage than the previous
event.  Here we request IRAC observations to extend the SED into
far-IR to search for early evidence of dust emission.  The next
visibility window opens before Cycle-3 begins so we are requesting
Director Discretionary Time for this object.