Supernova Siblings as Probes of Host Galaxy Systematics
- đ¤ Speaker: Lisa Kelsey
- đ Date & Time: Wednesday 11 February 2026, 13:15 - 13:40
- đ Venue: Hoyle Lecture theatre + Zoom
Abstract
Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) are a cornerstone of modern cosmology, yet their use as standardisable candles is limited by an unresolved dependence on their host galaxies: SNe Ia in high-mass galaxies are brighter than those in low-mass galaxies. This effect remains the dominant source of uncertainty in supernova cosmology and may be driving the ongoing Hubble Tension.
In this talk, I will highlight how studies of supernova siblings (multiple SNe Ia in the same host) provide a powerful way to isolate environmental effects. By comparing supernovae that share a common host but explode in different local environments, siblings help disentangle global and local drivers of SN Ia luminosity. I will present recent results from my sibling analyses and discuss how this approach will inform improved SN Ia standardisation in this new era of large transient surveys.
Series This talk is part of the Institute of Astronomy Seminars series.
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Lisa Kelsey
Wednesday 11 February 2026, 13:15-13:40