SN 1987A Light Curve

The light curve of Supernova 1987A is a graph showing how its brightness changed over time. After the explosion, the brightness rapidly increased, reaching a peak, then gradually dimmed over months and years. This pattern helps scientists understand the explosion's energy, the star's material, and how supernovae evolve. The detailed shape of the curve provides insights into the processes occurring during the explosion and the types of elements produced, helping us learn about the life cycles of massive stars and the origins of elements in the universe.