Abstract
Detections of γ-rays1 and X-rays2,3 from Supernova 1987A, together with its exponential light curve4, have dramatically confirmed theoretical predictions made two decades ago5–7. We discuss what these observations, in August and September 1987, can already tell us about the supernova. Assuming that all of the high-energy photons originate from 56Co decay, the escaping photon intensities at various energies are related by the characteristics of the scattering medium and the physics of the scattering processes. Considering only these factors, we conclude that the total mass of 56Co implied by the light curve is not uniformly shielded by a thick envelope. Extensive 'mixing' of 56Co (initially 56Ni) and other heavy elements through the supernova envelope might explain the observations. It is likely that a small fraction of the 56Co mass implied by the light curve has been removed by some mechanism to nearly thin regions.
This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution
Access options
Subscribe to this journal
Receive 51 print issues and online access
$199.00 per year
only $3.90 per issue
Rent or buy this article
Prices vary by article type
from$1.95
to$39.95
Prices may be subject to local taxes which are calculated during checkout
References
Matz, S. M. et al. Nature 331, 416–418 (1988).
Sunyaev, R. et al. Nature 330, 227–229 (1987).
Dotani, T. Nature 330, 230–231 (1987).
Catchpole, R. M. et al. Mon. Not. R. astr. Soc. (in the press).
Bodansky, D., Clayton, D. D. & Fowler, W. A. Astrophys. J. Suppl. Ser. 16, 299–371 (1968).
Clayton, D. D., Colgate, S. A. & Fishman, G. J. Astrophys. J. 155, 75–82 (1969).
Colgate, S. A. & McKee, C. Astrophys. J. 157, 623–643 (1969).
Clayton, D. D. Astrophys. J. 188, 155–157 (1974).
Woosley, S. E., Axelrod, T. S. & Weaver, T. A. Comments Nucl. Part Phys. 9, 185–197 (1981).
Gehrels, N., Leventhal, M. & MacCallum, C. J. Astrophys. J. 322, 215–233 (1987).
McCray, R., Shull, J. M. & Sutherland, P. Astrophys. J. 317, L73–L77 (1987).
Chan, K. W. & Lingenfelter, R. E. Astrophys. J. 318, L51–L55 (1987).
Gehrels, N., MacCallum, C. J. & Leventhal, M. Astrophys. J. 320, L19–L22 (1987).
Ebisuzaki, T. & Shibazaki, N. Astrophys. J. (in the press).
Itoh, M. et al. Nature 330, 233–235 (1987).
Pinto, P. & Woosley, S. E. Astrophys. J. (in the press).
Shull, J. M. & Xu, Y. in Proc. George Mason Workshop on SN1987A (in the press).
Piran, T. Nature 330, 28 (1987).
Goldman, I. Astr. Astrophys. 186, L3–L4 (1987).
Nisenson, P. et al. Astrophys J. 320, L15–L18 (1987).
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Leising, M. Gamma-rays and X-rays from SN1987A. Nature 332, 516–518 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1038/332516a0
Received:
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/332516a0
This article is cited by
-
Late-time optical spectra of SN1987A
Nature (1989)
Comments
By submitting a comment you agree to abide by our Terms and Community Guidelines. If you find something abusive or that does not comply with our terms or guidelines please flag it as inappropriate.
