Multi-epoch high-resolution spectroscopy of SN 2011fe Linking the progenitor to its environment

Aims. The nearby Type Ia supernova (SN) 2011fe has provided an unprecedented opportunity for deriving some of the properties of its progenitor. This work provides additional and independent information on the circumstellar environment in which the explosion took place. Methods. We obtained high-resolution spectroscopy of SN 2011fe for 12 epochs, from 8 to 86 days after the estimated date of explosion, testing in particular the time evolution of Ca II and Na I. Results. Three main absorption systems are identified from Ca II and Na I, one associated to the Milky Way, one probably arising within a high-velocity cloud, and one most likely associated to the halo of M101. The total (Galactic and host galaxy) reddening, deduced from the integrated equivalent widths (EW) of the Na I lines, is EB-V less than or similar to 0.05 mag. The host galaxy absorption is dominated by a component detected at the same velocity measured from the 21-cm H 1 line at the projected SN position (similar to 180 km s(-1)). During the similar to 3 months covered by our observations its EW peak-to-peak variation is 15.6 +/- 6.5 m angstrom. This small and marginally significant change is shown to be compatible with the geometric effects produced by the rapid SN photosphere expansion coupled to the patchy fractal structure of the interstellar medium (ISM). The observed behavior is fully consistent with ISM properties similar to those derived for our own Galaxy, with evidences for structures on scales less than or similar to 100 AU. Conclusions. SN 2011fe appears to be surrounded by a clean environment. The lack of blueshifted, time-variable absorption features is fully consistent with the progenitor being a binary system with a main-sequence, or even another degenerate star.