SN 1987A: Out On the Tail
Abstract
The expected light curve of Supernova 1987A is calculated for the next 10 yr based solely upon energy input from radioactive decay of^56^Co and ^57^Co. During the third year, energy input from ^57^Co begins to dominate. How the bolometric (ultraviolet-optical-infrared) light curve deviates from that given by 100% deposition of the γ-rays is a measure of the mixing that has gone on in the supernova. Current measurements favor a mixed model. The radioactive light curve decreases beneath 10^39^ ergs s^-1^ at an age of ~900 days, by which time the neutron star remnant should have made its presence known.
- Publication:
-
The Astrophysical Journal
- Pub Date:
- August 1988
- DOI:
- 10.1086/185244
- Bibcode:
- 1988ApJ...331L.101P
- Keywords:
-
- Cobalt Isotopes;
- Light Curve;
- Radioactive Decay;
- Supernova 1987a;
- Fine Structure;
- Gamma Ray Spectra;
- Half Life;
- Neutron Stars;
- Stellar Models;
- Astrophysics;
- GAMMA RAYS: GENERAL;
- STARS: SUPERNOVAE