The Progenitor of SN 1987A: Spatially Resolved Ultraviolet Spectroscopy of the Supernova Field
Kirshner, Robert P.; Sonneborn, George; Altner, Bruce
United States
Abstract
Careful deconvolution of spatially resolved IUE ultraviolet spectra shows that only two of the three stars detected in plate material before 1987 are now present near the site of SN 1987A. The separation, magnitudes, and spectra of these two are consistent with their identification as star 2 and star 3 of the Sanduleak -69°202 trio. The clear implication is that star 1, the 12th mag B3 I star, has disappeared, and it may be identified as the progenitor of SN 1987A.