CaltechAUTHORS
Published August 31, 2016 | Version public
Discussion Paper Metadata-only

iPTF16fnl: Likely Tidal Disruption Event at 65 Mpc

Creators

Abstract

We report the detection of a nuclear transient, iPTF16fnl, discovered on UT 26 August 2016 in a nearby galaxy (Mrk 950) at z=0.0163. The transient was detected with g=17.4 mag, and is rising, with a blue color (g-r ~ -0.3 mag). A classification spectrum was taken with the robotic SED Machine (spectral range 350-950 nm, spectral resolution R=100) on the Palomar 60-in telescope on UT 30 August 2016, which detected a blue continuum, and a strong, broad He II 4686 emission line, which together with its quiescent host galaxy, are consistent with a tidal disruption event (TDE). Spectroscopic monitoring is also being conducted with the LCOGT. Swift and VLA observations have been triggered. Further follow-up observations are encouraged for what may be the closest TDE ever discovered at a distance of only ~65 Mpc. The co-ordinates are: iPTF16fnl 00:29:57.04 +32:53:37.5 (J2000)

Additional details

Identifiers

Eprint ID
95836
Resolver ID
CaltechAUTHORS:20190528-155235362

Dates

Created
2019-05-28
Created from EPrint's datestamp field
Updated
2019-11-22
Created from EPrint's last_modified field

Caltech Custom Metadata

Caltech groups
Palomar Transient Factory , Infrared Processing and Analysis Center (IPAC) , Division of Geological and Planetary Sciences (GPS)
Series Name
Astronomers Telegram
Series Volume or Issue Number
9433