On the Binary Nature of the Progenitor of SN2015ap: Insights from Its Light Curve and Spectral Evolution

Abstract

Stripped-envelope supernovae (SESNe) display a wide range of photometric and spectroscopic behaviours, often reflecting complex progenitor evolution. SN~2015ap is a type Ib event located in the nearby galaxy IC~1776, previously modelled as powered by radioactive decay and possibly a magnetar engine. In this work, we revisit its multi-band photometry and spectroscopy, {gathering all publicly available observational data for this source}, to investigate the nature of its progenitor and power source. {We use an innovative time analysis method based on Gaussian Process, leveraging its ability to model both noise and periodic components in unevenly sampled data without requiring regular sampling.} We detect significant periodic modulations in the post-peak light curve, with a characteristic timescale of $\sim$8.4 days. These modulations are also seen in the $H_{\alpha }$ line velocity, suggesting a structured circumstellar medium (CSM) shaped by binary interaction. We model the light curve with semi-analytical prescriptions (MOSFiT), including CSM and central engine components, and derive an ejecta mass of $\sim$2.2--2.4~$M_{\odot }$, explosion energy of $\sim$3.4$\times$10${}^{51}$~erg, and a ${}^{56}$Ni mass of $\sim$0.11~$M_{\odot }$. The colour evolution indicates an additional energy injection, consistent with either prolonged breakout or delayed central powering. While the data are compatible with a weak magnetar contribution, the overall evidence favours a binary progenitor system, with non-conservative mass transfer shaping the observed CSM. SN~2015ap thus adds to the growing sample of SESNe where binarity plays a central role in driving both the explosion and its observables.

This paper is and updated version, accepted for pubblication in mnras

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