Final Spitzer IRAC Observations of the Rise and Fall of SN 1987A

Abstract

Spitzer's final Infrared Array Camera (IRAC) observations of SN 1987A show the 3.6 and 4.5 $\mu$m emission from the equatorial ring (ER) continues a period of steady decline. Deconvolution of the images reveals that the emission is dominated by the ring, not the ejecta, and is brightest on the west side. Decomposition of the marginally resolved emission also confirms this, and shows that the west side of the ER has been brightening relative to the other portions of the ER. The infrared (IR) morphological changes resemble those seen in both the soft X-ray emission and the optical emission. The integrated ER light curves at 3.6 and 4.5 $\mu$m are more similar to the optical light curves than the soft X-ray light curve, though differences would be expected if dust is responsible for this emission and its destruction is rapid. Future observations with the James Webb Space Telescope will continue to monitor the ER evolution, and will reveal the true spectrum and nature of the material responsible for the broadband emission at 3.6 and 4.5 $\mu$m. The present observations also serendipitously reveal a nearby variable source, subsequently identified as a Be star, that has gone through a multi-year outburst during the course of these observations.

arXiv comment12 pages, 9 figures. Accepted for publication in the ApJ

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• Polarized radio emission unveils the structure of the pre-supernova circumstellar magnetic field and the radio emission in SN1987A
• The distribution of radio quiet active galactic nuclei in the star formation-stellar mass plane
• Near-infrared evolution of the equatorial ring of SN 1987A
• JWST/MIRI detects the dusty SN1993J about 30 years after explosion
• Possible post-kick jets in SN 1987A
• Spitzer's Last Look at Extragalactic Explosions: Long-Term Evolution of Interacting Supernovae