Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics – High Energy Astrophysical Phenomena
Scientific paper
2011-11-30
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
High Energy Astrophysical Phenomena
ApJ, in press; 22 pages, 6 figures with multiple parts
Scientific paper
We present a survey of the X-ray emitting ejecta in the Cassiopeia A supernova remnant based on an extensive analysis of over 6000 spectral regions extracted on 2.5-10" angular scales using the Chandra 1 Ms observation. We interpret these results in the context of hydrodynamical models for the evolution of the remnant. The distributions of fitted temperature and ionization age, and the implied mass coordinates, are highly peaked and suggest that the ejecta were subjected to multiple secondary shocks following reverse shock interaction with ejecta inhomogeneities. Based on the fitted emission measure and element abundances, and an estimate of the emitting volume, we derive masses for the X-ray emitting ejecta and also show the distribution of the mass of various elements over the remnant. An upper limit to the total shocked Fe mass visible in X-rays appears to be roughly 0.13 M_sun, which accounts for nearly all of the mass expected in Fe ejecta. We find two populations of Fe ejecta, that associated with normal Si-burning and that possibly associated with alpha-rich freeze-out, with a mass ratio of approximately 2:1. Essentially all of the observed Fe (both components) lies well outside the central regions of the SNR, possibly having been ejected by hydrodynamic instabilities during the explosion. We discuss this, and its implications for the neutron star kick.
Hwang Una
Laming Martin J.
No associations
LandOfFree
A Chandra X-ray Survey of Ejecta in the Cassiopeia A Supernova Remnant 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 A Chandra X-ray Survey of Ejecta in the Cassiopeia A Supernova Remnant, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and A Chandra X-ray Survey of Ejecta in the Cassiopeia A Supernova Remnant will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-411868