Type Ia supernovae (SNe Ia) are bright, distinctive explosions that are effective tools to study the expansion history of the Universe. Given their importance, it is remarkable that we still do not know the exact nature or natures of the astrophysical systems that generate them. IAU Symposium 281 assesses the state of searches for the progenitor systems and describes progress toward the solution of the so-called Type Ia progenitor puzzle. This long-standing problem has proved difficult to solve, because it involves so many areas at the frontiers of astrophysics. Topics covered include: work on new surveys; studies of white dwarfs, accretion binaries, and related phenomena; binary evolution models and different ways to test them; and SNe Ia explosions, light curves and supernova remnants. This volume presents all sides of the ongoing debates, benefiting researchers and graduate students working on Type Ia supernovae, close binary evolution, and binary populations.

Editors

Rosanne Di Stefano, Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics

Marina Orio, INAF-Padova and the University of Wisconsin

Maxwell Moe, Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics

Table of Contents

Preface
Conference overview
The Organizing Committee
Conference photographs
Participants
Part I. Surveys: New Perspectives on Cosmology and the Type Ia Supernova Progenitor Problem
Part II. Stellar and Binary Processes: A. Single and binary star evolution
B. The role of rotation
Part III. Cataclysmic Variables and Classical Novae
Part IV. Possible Progenitors of Type Ia Supernovae: A. Nuclear burning white dwarfs
B. Recurrent novae and symbiotics
C. Helium donors
D. Double white dwarfs
E. Population synthesis
Part V. New Insights on SNe Ia Progenitors from Their Explosions and Aftermath: A. Explosion physics
B. Signatures of progenitors in light curves and spectra
C. Signatures of progenitors in supernova remnants
Summary
Author index.