Calculated gamma-ray line fluxes from the Type II supernova 1987 A

Journal Article · Wed Jul 01 04:00:00 EDT 1987 · Astrophys. J.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1086/184936· OSTI ID:6364385

Chan, L W; Lingenfelter, R E

Calculations of the time-dependent flux in the 847-keV gamma-ray line from the decay of Co-56 that might be expected from the type II supernova 1987 A in the LMC are presented. It is found that, for a wide range of assumed Co-56 and supernova ejecta masses, this line should be detectable by planned gamma-ray observations with flux sensitivities of about 0.0001 photons/sq cm sec. If this line is detected, the measurement of its time-dependent flux together with its width will make it possible to determine not only the mass of Co-56 produced by explosive nucleosynthesis, but also the total mass and energy of the ejecta, and hence the mass of the supernova's progenitor. 16 references.

• Research Organization: California Univ., La Jolla
• OSTI ID: 6364385
• Journal Information: Astrophys. J.; (United States), Journal Name: Astrophys. J.; (United States) Vol. 318; ISSN ASJOA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640102* -- Astrophysics & Cosmology-- Stars & Quasi-Stellar
Radio & X-Ray Sources
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION
COBALT ISOTOPES
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
ERUPTIVE VARIABLE STARS
GALAXIES
GAMMA RADIATION
IONIZING RADIATIONS
ISOTOPES
MAGELLANIC CLOUDS
MASS
MASS TRANSFER
NUCLEOSYNTHESIS
RADIATION FLUX
RADIATIONS
STARS
SUPERNOVAE
SYNTHESIS
TIME DEPENDENCE
VARIABLE STARS