Abstract:
The possible evolutionary effects of rotation on the observational characteristics of SN 1987A and it progenitor Sk -69 202, are explored. If rotation is important, decrease in post main sequence luminosity and increase in rates of mass loss and mixing are likely. It is suggested that significant rotation, in addition to mass loss and low metallicity might explain the blue supergiant nature of precursor star. Observations of line profiles, polarisation and an asymmetric shape of the envelope are all consistent with moderate rotation.
