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The polarization spectrum of supernova 1987A interpreted in terms of shape asymmetry

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Abstract

Polarimetry done by Schwarz and Mundt1 on the type II supernova 1987A on 6 and 7 March 1987 showed variation in polarization across line profiles (see Table 1). This polarization structure is interpreted as arising from an asymmetric, homologously expanding, scattering atmosphere surrounding an asymmetric continuum-producing photosphere. Resonant scattering of radiation by ions in the atmosphere produces the line structure in the flux spectrum and polarizes the emergent radiation. The asymmetric shape of the atmosphere causes a non-zero net polarization. Sobolev-method radiative transfer calculations with axisymmetric oblate ellipsoidal models have been carried out to fit the observed data. The models are parameterized by the ratio of the symmetry axis to the perpendicular axis, c/a. The fits to the 1987A data indicate that (c/a) is ~0.6–0.8.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Physics Department, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, L8S 4M1, Canada

    D. J. Jeffery

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  1. D. J. Jeffery
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Jeffery, D. The polarization spectrum of supernova 1987A interpreted in terms of shape asymmetry. Nature 329, 419–421 (1987). https://doi.org/10.1038/329419a0

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