Further observations of the light echoes from SN 1987 A

Abstract

Further direct observations of the light echoes from SN 1987 A were obtained on November 12 1988 with the 3.6-m telescope and EFOSC at ESO. In agreement with predictions made from earlier observations, the radii of the two light rings are measured to be 43.3 and 72.5 arcsec. However, a noticeable diaplacement of the center of the outer ring by 2.6 arcsec to the NE from the SN position is also reported. Application of the model of planar-like sheets of material located between the SN and the observer leads to improved results