Multi-Tasking Supernova: Record-Breaking Stellar Explosion Helps Understand Far-Off Galaxy

Left: Portion of the Gemini spectrum of PS1-11bam from December 5 containing several interstellar absorption features of Fe II and Mg II at z = 1.566 (black). The error spectrum is shown in blue. For comparison we plot the GRB composite spectrum of Christensen et al. (2011). Right: A zoom-in on the relevant Fe II and Mg II lines demonstrates the similarity to GRB absorption spectra. Also shown is the [O II]3727 emission line at z = 1.567 from the January 1 Gemini spectrum.