Constraints on the Progenitor of Cassiopeia A

Abstract

We compare a suite of 3D explosion calculations and stellar models incor-porating advanced physics with observational constraints on the progenitor of Cassiopeia A. We consider binary and single stars from 16 to 40 M with a range of explosion energies and geometries. The parameter space allowed by observa-tions of nitrogen rich high velocity ejecta, ejecta mass, compact remnant mass, and 44Ti and 56Ni abundances individually and as an ensemble is considered. A progenitor of 15-25 M which loses its hydrogen envelope to a binary interaction and undergoes an energetic explosion can match all the observational constraints. Subject headings: hydrodynamics|nucleosynthesis|stars: evolution|supernova remnants|supernovae: individual (Cassiopeia A) 1.