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Absolute Spectrophotometry of SN 1987A and the H α Bochum Event

1988; Cambridge University Press; Volume: 7; Issue: 4 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1017/s1323358000022621

1448-6083

R. W. Hanuschik,

Spaceflight effects on biology

Abstract Spectrophotometric optical fluxes of SN 1987A have been measured at high accuracy with the 61cm telescope equipped with a rapid spectrum scanner. This highly homogeneous data set covers the wavelength range 3200-8700Å at 10Å resolution. Selected wavelength regions, e.g. around H α , have also been measured at 3Å resolution. The H α line shows an undisturbed P Cygni-type profile until March 15, superimposed by variable fine-structure thereafter, developing within a few days into a blue-shifted, peak-like flux excess and a red-shifted flux deficiency. This fine-structure is intrinsic to H α . Similar fine-structure is also observed in Na I-D, in Paschen- α and possibly in H β . We discuss our observations in terms of the ‘mystery spot’, and of models involving a jet and interactions with surrounding pre-existing material, and we propose density inhomogeneities, or occupation number deficits due to NLTE effects, within the inner regions of the envelope as origin.