The rising light curves of Type Ia supernovae

We fit these early data flux using a simple power law (f(t)={alpha}xt^n^) to determine the time of first light (t_0_), and hence the rise time (t_rise_) from first light to peak luminosity, and the exponent of the power-law rise (n). We find a mean uncorrected rise time of 18.98+/-0.54 d, with individual supernova (SN) rise times ranging from 15.98 to 24.7 d.

The exponent n shows significant departures from the simple `fireball model' of n=2 (or f(t){prop.to}t^2^) usually assumed in the literature. With a mean value of n=2.44+/-0.13, our data also show significant diversity from event to event. This deviation has implications for the distribution of ^56^Ni throughout the SN ejecta, with a higher index suggesting a lesser degree of ^56^Ni mixing.