Supernova 1987A

Definition

Supernova 1987A is a stellar explosion observed in 1987 within the Large Magellanic Cloud, a neighboring galaxy to the Milky Way. It was the closest supernova observed in nearly 400 years and has provided valuable insights into the death of massive stars.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. It was located approximately 168,000 light-years from Earth.
2. The progenitor star of SN 1987A was a blue supergiant named Sanduleak -69° 202.
3. Its peak luminosity made it visible to the naked eye in the Southern Hemisphere.
4. SN 1987A provided crucial evidence for neutrino emission during supernova explosions.
5. Observations of SN 1987A have allowed astronomers to study the formation and evolution of supernova remnants in detail.

Review Questions

Related terms

Neutrinos:

Subatomic particles produced in large quantities during a supernova event, providing key information about stellar core collapse processes.

Supernova Remnant:

The structure resulting from the explosion of a star in a supernova, consisting of ejected material and an expanding shock wave.

Large Magellanic Cloud:

A nearby irregular galaxy that is home to SN 1987A and provides a unique environment for studying extragalactic phenomena.