Spitzer's Complete History of SN 1987A

We propose to use a total of 0.4 hr to obtain 3.6 and 4.5 micron photometry of SNR 1987A at two final epochs between 11666 and 11968 days after the explosion. SN 1987A has been monitored at approximately 6 month intervals throughout the Spitzer mission. The latest IRAC data clearly show that at 3.6 and 4.5 micron, the SN emission has peaked and is now in decline. Continued observation of SN 1987A will allow us to track the decline as the blast wave moves completely past the equatorial ring (ER). The rate at which new dust is swept up should be dropping to zero, and as the presently swept up dust is gradually destroyed (or cools) the emission should continue to fade. The dust traced at these wavelengths is thought to be collisionally-heated by the SN blast wave that also gives rise to the soft X-ray emission from the ER. Early in the mission, the intensity of the mid-IR emission (24 micron) was generally well correlated with that of the X-ray emission. However, the 3.6 and 4.5 micron emission are 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 spatial distribution, nature, and evolution of this hot dust component. Additionally, the observations may still reveal the appearance of a new emission component from the SN ejecta which are currently interacting with the reverse shock. These observations will complete the record of Spitzer's observations of SN 1987A, spanning more than 16 years from launch to end of mission. They also provide an essential bridge to future monitoring with JWST, which will follow in Spitzer's footsteps.