Spectropolarimetry of SN 1987A with the AAT.

Spectropolarimetric observations of SN 1987A obtained with the AAT are presented and discussed. The foreground interstellar polarization is estimated to have a value of 0.8 percent at position angle 40 deg. The spectrum of the polarized radiation shows broad redshifted features corresponding to the emission lines which can be understood as the consequence of electron scattering in an expanding atmosphere. The position angle observed is consistent with the elongation of the supernova image seen by speckle interferometry.