The Distribution of Supernovae Relative to Spiral Arms of Host Disc Galaxies

Abstract

Using a sample of 215 supernovae (SNe), we analyse their positions relative to the spiral arms of their host galaxies, distinguishing grand-design (GD) spirals from non-GD (NGD) galaxies. Our results suggest that shocks in spiral arms of GD galaxies trigger star formation in the leading edges of arms affecting the distributions of core-collapse (CC) SNe (known to have short-lived progenitors). The closer locations of SNe Ibc vs. SNe II relative to the leading edges of the arms supports the belief that SNe Ibc have more massive progenitors. SNe Ia having less massive and older progenitors, show symmetric distribution with respect to the peaks of spiral arms.