Letter to the Editor

Runaway BN supergiant star HD 93840: Progenitor of an imminent core-collapse supernova above the Galactic plane

¹ Universität Innsbruck, Institut für Astro-und Teilchenphysik, Technikerstr. 25/8, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
e-mail: david.wessmayer@uibk.ac.at, norbert.przybilla@uibk.ac.at
² Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Universitätssternwarte, Scheinerstr. 1, 81679 München, Germany

Received: 16 August 2023
Accepted: 11 June 2024

Abstract

We present a quantitative spectral analysis of the extreme nitrogen-enhanced supergiant HD 93840 (BN1 Ib) at an intermediate galactic latitude. Based on an optical high-resolution spectrum and complementary ultraviolet and infrared (spectro-)photometry, in addition to Gaia data, we carried out a full characterisation of the star’s properties. We used both hydrostatic and unified (photosphere+wind) model atmospheres that account for deviations from local thermodynamic equilibrium. A highly unusual surface CNO-mixing signature and a marked stellar overluminosity compared to the mass imply a binary channel for the star’s past evolution. The kinematics shows that it has reached its current position above the Galactic plane as a runaway star, likely ejected by the supernova explosion of its former companion star. Its current bulk composition, with a notably increased mean molecular weight due to core He- and progressed shell H-burning, suggests an advanced evolutionary stage. It is poised to yield a rare core-collapse supernova of a blue supergiant about ten OB star population scale heights above the Galactic disk relatively soon, contributing to the metal enrichment of the circumgalactic medium.