Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics
Scientific paper
1999-12-08
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
16 pages, 6 figures. accepted in AJ
Scientific paper
Bright X-ray emission has been detected in superbubbles in the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC), and it is suggested that supernova remnants (SNRs) near the inner shell walls are responsible for this X-ray emission. To identify SNR shocks in superbubble interiors, we have obtained HST WFPC2 emission-line images of the X-ray-bright superbubbles DEM L 152 and DEM L 192 and the X-ray-dim superbubble DEM L 106. We use these images to examine the shell morphology and [S II]/H-alpha ratio variations in detail. Of these three superbubbles, DEM L 152 has the highest X-ray surface brightness, the most filamentary nebular morphology, the largest expansion velocity, and the highest [S II]/H-alpha ratio. Its [S II]/H-alpha ratio increases outwards and peaks in sharp filaments along the periphery. DEM L 192 has a moderate X-ray surface brightness, a complex but not filamentary morphology, a moderate expansion velocity, and a low [S II]/H-alpha ratio. DEM L 106 is not detected in X-rays. Its shell structure is amorphous and has embedded dusty features; its expansion velocity is low. None of the three superbubbles show morphological features in the shell interior that can be identified as directly associated with SNR shocks, indicating that the SNR shocks have not encountered very dense material. We find that the [S II]/H-alpha ratios of X-ray-bright superbubbles are strongly dependent on the UV radiation field of the encompassed OB associations. Therefore, a tight correlation between [S II]/H-alpha ratio and X-ray surface brightness in superbubbles should not exist. We also find that the filamentary morphologies of superbubbles are associated with large expansion velocities and bright X-ray emission.
Chen C.-H. Rosie.
Chu Y.-H. Y.-H.
Gruendl Robert A.
Points Sean D.
No associations
LandOfFree
HST WFPC2 Imaging of Shocks in Superbubbles does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with HST WFPC2 Imaging of Shocks in Superbubbles, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and HST WFPC2 Imaging of Shocks in Superbubbles will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-660270