Implications of the UV observations of SN 1987A.
Panagia, N.; Fransson, C.; Grewing, M.; Wamsteker, W.; Cassatella, A.
Sweden, Germany, Spain, United States
Abstract
The implications of the UV observations of SN 1987A are discussed. The authors conclude that the UV spectrum is not a distinguishing feature between Type I and II supernovae. There is therefore no contradiction with the optical observations. Instead it is proposed that the differences in the UV properties are to be sought in the varying degree of interaction with the circumstellar environment. It is also shown that the absence of N V 1238 - 43 in the absorption line spectrum gives a stringent limit on the energy in the very early EUV burst expected from the supernova.