SN 1987A: Chandra Witnesses the End of an Era
Abstract
Due to its age and close proximity, the remnant of SN 1987A is the only supernova remnant in which we can study the early developmental stages in detail, providing insight into stellar evolution, the mechanisms of the supernova explosion, and the transition from supernova to supernova remnant as the debris begins to interact with the surrounding circumstellar medium (CSM). We present the latest results from 16 years of Chandra ACIS observations of SN 1987A, now covering 4600 - 10500 days after the supernova. At approximately day 7500, the east-west asymmetry of the ring began to reverse, while the spectra and soft X-ray light curve revealed that the increase in soft X-ray emission slowed dramatically. This suggests the average CSM density encountered by the blast wave decreased at this time, likely due to lack of new emission from the densest clumps in the equatorial ring. Since day 9700 the soft X-ray light curve has flattened and remained approximately constant, evidence that the blast wave has now left the dense material of the known equatorial ring and is beginning to probe the unknown territory beyond.
- Publication:
-
AAS/High Energy Astrophysics Division #15
- Pub Date:
- April 2016
- Bibcode:
- 2016HEAD...1511805F