Light-curve models for supernova SN1987A in the Large Magellanic Cloud

Neutrino bursts from the supernova SN1987A have been reported^1-3 which provide qualitatively new information as to the time interval between the core collapse and the optical flaring of the supernova up to about 6 mag ⁴. The interval that we take as three hours^1,2 imposes conditions on the radius of the progenitor star and the energetics of the explosion. As for the brightness and its time change, the relatively less bright visual magnitude at the plateau in the light curve during the initial eight days or so (refs 5, 29) as well. The subsequent light curve after eight days is quite unique; the bolometric luminosity increases until ∼65 days (ref. 29) but thereafter it seems to level off gradually (J. Walsh and R. Stathakis, personal communication; M.A. Dopita, personal communication). To maintain the bolometric luminosity of the star means that certain conditions should be imposed on the energy source. By computing the propagation of shock wave, the subsequent expansion of ejected matter and the optical light curve, we find that the early light curve can be accounted for by the diffusive release of energy deposited by the shock wave, that the progenitor's radius should be as small as ∼(1-3) × 10¹² cm, and that the explosion energy per unit mass should be relatively large, ∼(2-3)× 10⁵¹ erg for the ejected matter of 7-10 M_⊙. The light curve after eight days is well reproduced by using a model with constant energy input. The energy input may be due to the activity of an embedded pulsar. The light curves calculated by invoking the radioactive decay of ⁵⁶Ni and ⁵⁶Co are less satisfactory in accounting for the nearly flat portion observed after 65 days. Supposing Sk-69 202 is the progenitor of SN1987A^13,14, its explosion energy should be >2×l0⁵¹erg; this suggests that a prompt shock mechanism forms a neutron star.