Science with WFPC2 · 1994–95

SN 1987A triple-ring nebula

WFPC2 images showing the outer loops are two closed rings.

Instrument

WFPC2, February 1994

Paper

Burrows et al. 1995, ApJ 452, 680

Image

STScI-PRC1994-22a

Chris imaged SN 1987A with the newly corrected WFPC2 in emission lines and the UV and optical continuum. The images showed that the outer nebular structure consists of two closed, unresolved loops flash-ionized by the supernova, not limb-brightening of an hourglass shell. The density contrast of at least 100 between the rings and their surroundings was hard to reconcile with the standard picture of the progenitor's evolution.

The 1994 release image of the three rings, credited to him, became one of the defining pictures of the supernova.

Press and media

• Press release: Hubble finds mysterious ring structure around Supernova 1987A (NASA, 19 May 1994) →
• Release image STScI-PRC94-22a, credit Dr. Christopher Burrows, ESA/STScI and NASA →
• Higher-resolution copies (AstroPix) →

Papers

• 1995
  Hubble Space Telescope observations of the SN 1987A triple ring nebula

  Burrows, C. J.; Krist, J.; Hester, J. J.; Sahai, R.; Trauger, J. T.; Stapelfeldt, K. R.; et al.

  ApJ 452, 680

  ADSPDFCaltech