Observing SN 1987A with IUE

Spectra from IUE were used to study SN 1987A in order to examine its progenitor and stellar evolution before the explosion. The B3 Ia blue supergiant is identified as progenitor. The narrow UV lines from the circumstellar shell are discussed. When the supernova turns transparent in the ultraviolet, the ultraviolet spectra can provide important chemical information about the interior of the massive star

IUE investigations of SN 1987A

IUE observations of the SN 1987A began shortly after the discovery and have been frequent through 1988 and 1989, using the fine error sensor for photometry, low dispersion spectra for the supernova spectrum, and high dispersion observations for the interstellar medium when the supernova was bright and for circumstellar gas surrounding the supernova as the initial event faded. The UV data were very useful in determining which star exploded, assessing the ionizing pulse produced as the shock hit the surface of the star, and in constraining the stellar evolution that preceded the explosion through observations of a circumstellar shell

Type I supernovae: an observer’s view

The distinguishing characteristics of Type I supernovae are discussed. Some physical and chemical properties of Type I and Type II supernovae are presented and compared, and processes involved in a supernova explosion are considered.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/87614/2/33_1.pd

CONTINUUM LIGHT FROM SUPERNOVAE

Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/71906/1/j.1749-6632.1977.tb37039.x.pd