Balloon-borne measurements of the SN 1987A hard X-ray continuum

SN 1987A hard X-ray continuum spectra obtained on 1987 October 29, 1988 April 9-10, and 1988 November 11 from balloon-flight measurments are presented. The spectra, spanning the energy range from 25 keV to 300 keV, have been analyzed using a detector response matrix inversion technique that converts the spectra form counts/s/sq cm keV to photons/s/sq cm keV allowing direct comparison with theoretical models. The results indicate that the bulk of the (56)Co is mixed moderately through the inner regions of the supernova envelope but they do not preclude the mixing of a small amount of the (56)Co farther out into the envelope necessary to account for the observed (56)Co line fluxes. The effect of the ratio (57)Co to (56)Co on the 1988 November 11 continuum spectrum is discussed.