SN 1987A: On the wane?
Abstract
In this program we propose to use a total of 0.8 hr to obtain 3.6 and 4.5 micron photometry of SNR 1987A at four additional epochs beyond day 10000 after the explosion. The emission in these two IRAC bands may arise from a hot dust component residing in the equatorial ring (ER) with a distinctly different spectral shape and temperature from the dominant 180 K silicate dust component in the ER. The dust in the ER is collisionally-heated by the SN blast wave that also gives rise to the soft X-ray emission from the ER. The intensity in the mid-IR emission (24 micron) was generally well correlated with that of the X-ray emission. However, the continued monitoring of the 3.6 and 4.5 micron emission now seems to show that at these wavelengths the IR emission has begun to fade, and is no longer tracking the brightness of the soft X-ray emission. These differences could stem from a variety of causes, including the sputtering of the dust or changes in the morphology of the ER. Ongoing X-ray observations of the remnant are taking place. Supplementing these with IR observations is essential for determining the nature and the evolution of this hot dust component. Finally, the observations may still reveal the appearance of a new emission component from the SN ejecta which is currently interacting with the reverse shock. These observations will complete the record of Spitzer's observations of SN 1987A, spanning more than 12 years from launch to end of mission.
- Publication:
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Spitzer Proposal
- Pub Date:
- December 2014
- Bibcode:
- 2014sptz.prop11023D