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