The Energy Sources Powering the Late-Time Bolometric Evolution of SN 1987A
Abstract
New optical and infrared data show that a third radioactive nuclide, ^57^Co, is now powering the supernova nebula. The best fit to the late- time bolometric light curve is with 0.01 M_sun_^57^Co (5 times the amount expected based on the solar ratio of ^57^Fe/^56^Fe). However, if recent theoretical upper limits on the expected production of ^57^Co and ^44^Ti are correct, then either an additional energy input is needed or one of the fundamental assumptions used in the modeling of the data is in error. If a pulsar is present in the center of SN 1987A, it can be providing no more than ~8 x 10^36^ ergs s^-1^ on day 1500.
- Publication:
-
The Astrophysical Journal
- Pub Date:
- January 1992
- DOI:
- 10.1086/186256
- Bibcode:
- 1992ApJ...384L..33S
- Keywords:
-
- Bolometers;
- Energy Sources;
- Magellanic Clouds;
- Nuclear Fusion;
- Supernova 1987a;
- Cobalt Isotopes;
- Radioactive Isotopes;
- Stellar Coronas;
- Astrophysics;
- GALAXIES: MAGELLANIC CLOUDS;
- NUCLEAR REACTIONS;
- NUCLEOSYNTHESIS;
- ABUNDANCES;
- STARS: SUPERNOVAE: GENERAL