2015MNRAS.448L..48T

In this Letter we present an optical spectrum of SN 2011fe taken 1034d after the explosion, several hundred days later than any other spectrum of a Type Ia supernova (disregarding light-echo spectra and Local Group remnants). The spectrum is still dominated by broad emission features, with no trace of a light echo or interaction of the supernova ejecta with surrounding interstellar material. Comparing this extremely late spectrum to an earlier one taken 331d after the explosion, we find that the most prominent feature at 331d - [Feiii] emission around 4700 Å - has entirely faded away, suggesting a significant change in the ionization state. Instead, [Feii] lines are probably responsible for most of the emission at 1034d. An emission feature at 6300-6400 Å has newly developed at 1034d, which we tentatively identify with Fei λ6359, [Fei] λλ6231, 6394 or [Oi] λλ6300, 6364. Interestingly, the features in the 1034d spectrum seem to be collectively redshifted, a phenomenon that we currently have no convincing explanation for. We discuss the implications of our findings for explosion models, but conclude that sophisticated spectral modelling is required for any firm statement.