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The progenitor of SN1987A

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Abstract

One of the reasons why the bright supernova SN1987A is of such importance is the fact that its proximity would allow for the first time, the identification of a supernova progenitor star. Attempts to establish which star was the progenitor have led to uncertainties, however. Here we use spatial and spectroscopic information from International Ultraviolet Explorer (IUE) spectra in the range 1,150–1,950Å to demonstrate that Sk–69 202, the star coinciding positionally with the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) supernova, has disappeared from sight. Two weaker sources, named star 2 and star 3 in the astrometric analysis of the image of Sk–69 202 before the supernova outburst, are still present in the ultraviolet spectra. We isolate their spectra and give a spectral classification. We conclude that Sk-69 202 is the progenitor the LMC supernova.

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References

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. ESA IUE Observatory, aptdo, 54065, Madrid, Spain

    R. Gilmozzi, A. Cassatella, J. Clavel, R. Gonzalez, C. Gry, A. Talavera & W. Wamsteker

  2. Stockholm Observatory, S-133 00, Saltsjobaden, Sweden

    C. Fransson

  3. Space Telescope Science Institute, Baltimore, USA

    N. Panagia

  4. Istituto di Astronomia, Universita' di Catania, Italy

    N. Panagia

Authors
  1. R. Gilmozzi
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  2. A. Cassatella
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  3. J. Clavel
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  4. C. Fransson
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  5. R. Gonzalez
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  6. C. Gry
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  7. N. Panagia
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  8. A. Talavera
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  9. W. Wamsteker
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Gilmozzi, R., Cassatella, A., Clavel, J. et al. The progenitor of SN1987A. Nature 328, 318–320 (1987). https://doi.org/10.1038/328318a0

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/328318a0

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