TAPIR Seminar

Despite concerted effort, the progenitors of Type Ia supernovae have not been definitively identified.  For decades,
we have assumed that the "single degenerate" progenitor channel offers the most plausible explanation.  However,
evidence is mounting that this standard, textbook progenitor channel cannot be responsible for the bulk of Type Ia
supernovae.  I will outline the current status of the two alternative progenitor channels and highlight our recent work
on the double detonation scenario.  While relatively less studied, this progenitor channel is extremely promising and
may pave the way for an understanding of how these cosmic standardizable candles are born.