Evolution of SN 1987A into a Supernova Remnant: IR Imaging

Details Evolution of SN 1987A into a Supernova Remnant: IR Imaging Evolution of SN 1987A into a Supernova Remnant: IR Imaging

Aug 2000

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2000noao.prop..318c&link_type=abstract

NOAO Proposal ID #2000B-0318

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astronomy

Scientific paper

The collision between the ejecta of SN 1987A and its circumstellar ring is now underway. Now and in the next few years, we are watching radical changes occur in the circumstellar nebula as it is overrun by ejecta expanding at a substantial fraction of c, giving birth to a supernova remnant. We have already shown that new interactions between the nebula and ejecta, in the form of ``hot spots,'' are seen first and most easily in He I, especially the 1083 nm line. These spots are now changing on the timescale of a few months. We propose to monitor this dramatic event by obtaining near-IR images with the f/14 tip-tilt system on the CTIO 4m at regular intervals. This system delivers spatial resolution within a factor of two of that obtained with HST+NICMOS and substantially higher S/N, allowing us to continue monitoring now that NICMOS has ceased to operate. Our published data from the last year's observations from this program revealed for the first time that new hot spots have appeared, while the formerly lone, original hot spot on the inner ring has increased dramatically in brightness. This study provides detailed observations of astronomy's first opportunity to see the birth of a SNR, in important transitions not covered by HST.

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