JWST MIRI Imager Observations of Supernova SN 1987A (2402.14014v1)

Abstract: There exist very few mid-infrared (IR) observations of supernovae (SNe) in general. Therefore, SN 1987A, the closest visible SN in 400 years, gives us the opportunity to explore the mid-IR properties of SNe, the dust in their ejecta and surrounding medium, and to witness the birth of a SN remnant (SNR). The James Webb Space Telescope (JWST), with its high spatial resolution and extreme sensitivity, gives a new view on these issues. We report on the first imaging observations obtained with the Mid-InfraRed Instrument (MIRI). We build temperature maps and discuss the morphology of the nascent SNR. Our results show that the temperatures in the equatorial ring (ER) are quite non-uniform. This could be due to dust destruction in some parts of the ring, as had been assumed in some previous works. We show that the IR emission extends beyond the ER, illustrating the fact that the shock wave has now passed through this ring to affect the circumstellar medium on a larger scale. Finally, while sub-mm Atacama Large Millimeter Array (ALMA) observations have hinted at the location of the compact remnant of SN 1987A, we note that our MIRI data have found no such evidence.

• The paper presents high-resolution mid-IR imaging that maps temperature variations of 120–165 K, highlighting dust evolution in SN 1987A’s equatorial ring.
• The study uses multiple MIRI filters to distinguish thermal dust emission from minimal spectral line contributions, refining supernova remnant models.
• Observations reveal that shock interactions extend beyond the equatorial ring, offering new insights into circumstellar medium dynamics.

JWST MIRI Imager Observations of Supernova SN 1987A

This paper presents compelling observational data derived from the James Webb Space Telescope's (JWST) Mid-InfraRed Instrument (MIRI) regarding Supernova SN 1987A. The insights gained from these observations yield significant contributions to our understanding of supernovae (SNe), supernova remnants (SNRs), and interstellar medium interactions.

Observational Overview

The research utilizes JWST’s MIRI to observe SN 1987A across multiple filters, specifically spanning wavelengths from 5 to 28 microns. This approach capitalizes on JWST’s high spatial resolution and sensitivity to explore the mid-infrared (IR) attributes of this notable supernova. The SN 1987A event remains one of the closest observed SNe in recent history, providing a unique opportunity to study the formation of an SNR in detail as the blast wave interacts with the surrounding medium, including the equatorial ring (ER). Observations from four MIRI filters (F560W, F1000W, F1800W, and F2550W) provide a comprehensive view of this evolution.

Key Findings

The paper reports several important findings:

1. Temperature and Morphology: Using MIRI imaging data, researchers constructed temperature maps that highlight non-uniformity across the equatorial ring. This potentially indicates dust destruction in parts of the ER, aligning with previous theoretical predictions. The team found temperature variations ranging from 120 K to 165 K, with mass concentrations highlighting dust evolution over time.
2. Beyond the Equatorial Ring: The study observes IR emission extending beyond the ER, suggesting that the shock wave from the supernova has traversed this ring and begun to influence the circumstellar medium more broadly.
3. Dust and Emission Analysis: The results affirm that while IR emission is predominantly contributed by dust thermal emission, line emissions, though present, constitute a minimal part of the observed data. The study's exploration of dust models (involving silicate and amorphous carbon compositions) quantifies the dust mass and its evolution.
4. Non-detection of Compact Remnant: Despite sub-mm observations hinting at the location of SN 1987A's compact remnant (potential neutron star), the MIRI data did not detect such a feature. This remains an open area of investigation.

Implications and Future Prospects

This paper underscores JWST's capability as a transformative tool in astrophysical research, particularly in understanding supernova dynamics and remnants. Investigating the details of SN 1987A’s evolution provides critical insights into the cooling processes, dust dynamics, and circumstellar interactions in SNe.

The work sets a foundation for subsequent observations that may focus on distinct spectral line emissions and the search for potential compact objects linked to remnants. Future research could extend these techniques to other SNe to validate models of dust evolution post-supernova, supporting broader cosmic dust cycle theories.

Additionally, the research holds implications for refined models of supernova explosions and their roles in galactic evolution. As dust and elemental yields from SNe contribute to the interstellar medium's chemical evolution, understanding these processes on a case-by-case basis remains critical.

Conclusion

This detailed exploration and analysis of JWST MIRI data for SN 1987A enhances our knowledge of supernova remnant formation and dust dynamics. By capitalizing on the precise sensitivity of the JWST, researchers achieve a granular look into SNe processes, enabling further theoretical and observational advancements in astrophysics. As the astrophysical community continues to unravel the complexities of cosmic phenomena, studies like this provide pivotal data and interpretations.