The SUPERSPEC project aims to develop and apply the next generation of models for spectral formation in the element factories of the Universe: supernovae and kilonovae. Arising when massive stars collapse, and when neutron stars merge, respectively, these transients enrich cosmos with elements throughout the periodic table. The diagnosis of this production occurs through advanced spectral analysis with Non-Local-Thermodynamic-Equilibrium simulations. With improved models, applied to the analysis of new high-quality observations, we can take a leap forward in building up a systematic understanding for the origin of the elements and the structure of explosive transients. In addition will the inferred ejecta morphologies and composition tell us about fundamental physics such as the equation of state at the highest densities.
The objective of SUPERSPEC is to advance the state-of-the-art in transient spectral modelling both for the microphysics and macrophysics. This is achieved through parallel developments for the treatment of microphysical processes like time-dependent energy flows and new r-process atomic data, and macrophysical ones like 3D effects. These new models are then to be used to make inferences of both core-collapse supernova and kilonova nucleosynthesis.
For our society, the SUPERSPEC project will make an important contribution to better understanding the origin of the elements in the Universe - a pillar of modern astrophysics and for our sense of our origins in cosmos. It also plays a role in connecting areas in the emerging and revolutionary field of multi-messenger astronomy.