High resolution spectroscopy of SN1987A's rings: He i λ 10830 and Hα from the hotspots

Nathan Smith, Richard McCray

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

1 Scopus citations

Abstract

We present the first high-dispersion spectroscopy of He I λ 10830 from the hotspots in the ring around SN1987A, obtained at Gemini South, spatially resolving the near and far sides of the ring. We compare these line profiles to similar echelle spectra of Hα and [N II] λ6583 obtained at the Magellan Observatory. We find that the He I profiles are much broader than Hα or [N II], but the He I profiles also have different shapes - they have enhanced emission at high speeds, with extra blueshifted emission on the north side of the ring, and extra redshifted emission on the south side. To explain this, we invoke a simple geometric picture where the extra He I emission traces hotter gas from faster shocks that strike the apex of the hotspots directly, while the Hα preferentially traces cooler lower-ionization gas from slower transverse shocks that penetrate into the sides of the ring.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Title of host publicationSUPERNOVA 1987A
Subtitle of host publication20 YEARS AFTER: Supernovae and Gamma-Ray Bursters
Pages179-181
Number of pages3
DOIs
StatePublished - 2007
Externally publishedYes
EventSUPERNOVA 1987A: 20 YEARS AFTER: Supernovae and Gamma-Ray Bursters - Aspen, CO, United States
Duration: Feb 19 2007Feb 23 2007

Publication series

NameAIP Conference Proceedings
Volume937
ISSN (Print)0094-243X
ISSN (Electronic)1551-7616

Other

OtherSUPERNOVA 1987A: 20 YEARS AFTER: Supernovae and Gamma-Ray Bursters
Country/TerritoryUnited States
CityAspen, CO
Period2/19/072/23/07

Keywords

  • SN 1987A
  • Supernova remnants
  • Supernovae

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • General Physics and Astronomy

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