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Bringing the Visible Universe into Focus with Robo-AO
Published on: February 12, 2013
Observing supernova 1987A with the refurbished Hubble Space Telescope
Kevin France1, Richard McCray, Kevin Heng
1Center for Astrophysics and Space Astronomy, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80309-0389, USA.
Science (New York, N.Y.)
|September 4, 2010
Summary
Hubble Space Telescope observations reveal evolving astrophysical shocks in supernova remnant 1987A. Emission lines brighten and velocities decrease, indicating particle acceleration within turbulent electromagnetic fields.
Area of Science:
- Astrophysics
- Supernova Remnants
- Plasma Physics
Background:
- Supernova 1987A remnant provides a unique laboratory for studying astrophysical shocks.
- Long-term observations are crucial for understanding shock evolution and particle acceleration.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze changes in shock emission lines (Lyα, Hα, N v) in supernova remnant 1987A.
- To investigate the physical mechanisms driving particle acceleration and scattering within the remnant's collisionless shock.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing Hubble Space Telescope (HST) data from 2004 and 2010.
- Comparing spectral line profiles and velocities of Lyα, Hα, and N v emissions.
- Analyzing resonant scattering and turbulent electromagnetic field effects.
Main Results:
- Lyα and Hα emission lines show increasing brightness.
- Maximum velocities of shock emissions are decreasing.
- Broad, blueshifted Lyα attributed to resonant scattering; N v line emission detected red-shifted from Lyα.
- Distinct N v line profiles suggest ion scattering and acceleration by turbulent electromagnetic fields.
Conclusions:
- Astrophysical shocks in supernova remnant 1987A are evolving, with decreasing velocities and brightening emissions.
- Turbulent electromagnetic fields play a significant role in scattering and accelerating ions within the collisionless shock.
- Resonant scattering contributes to observed Lyα emission patterns.
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