9209(  1) - 12/20/00 23:43  - [  1]

    PROPOSAL FOR HUBBLE SPACE TELESCOPE OBSERVATIONS   ST ScI Use Only
                                                       ID:      9209
                                                       Version: 1
                                                       Check-in Date: 20-Dec-2000
                                                                      23:36:36

1.Proposal Title:
HST Archival Imaging of the Light Echo of SN 1987A
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2. Proposal For  3. Cycle
AR               10
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4. Investigators
                                                                                     Contact?
    PI: Stephen Lawrence                  Hofstra University
   CoI: Prof. Arlin Crotts                Columbia University                           N
   CoI: Mr. Ben Sugerman                  Columbia University                           N
   CoI: Dr. William Kunkel                Las Campanas Obs., Carnegie Observatories     N

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5. Abstract

We propose to analyze archival HST imaging and spectral observations taken in the
vicinity of SN 1987A in order to collect high spatial resolution data on the light
echo. As of June 2000, there were over 600 potentiallly useful optical images taken
within 8'\ of SN 1987A with the WFPC2, STIS, and WF/PC cameras. We will identify all
sky areas within this region which have been imaged at multiple epochs through the
same or similar filters. We will then apply the PSF-matched difference imaging
technique developed by our group to study the three-dimensional spatial structure
and physical properties of dust complexes in this region of the Large Magellanic
Cloud. This technique has already proven very successful in detecting and monitoring
faint new hot spots formed by the collision of the supernova ejecta with the inner
circumstellar ring and also in discovering a previously unknown light echo structure
located behind the supernova. We will also use the high-spatial resolution of single
HST images to supplement our continuous ground-based monitoring of echo light curves
in order to constrain the spatial sub-structure of the dust complexes.
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                                                9209(  1) - 12/20/00 23:43  - [  2]

            Summary Form for Proposal  9209

  Item                         Used in this proposal
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  Proposal Category            AR
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