Deep optical observations of the central X-ray source in the Puppis A supernova remnant

Details Deep optical observations of the central X-ray source in the Puppis A supernova remnant Deep optical observations of the central X-ray source in the Puppis A supernova remnant

2009-04-30

arxiv.org/abs/0904.4776v1

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

High Energy Astrophysical Phenomena

4 pages, 2 figures, Astronomy and Astrophysics, accepted

Scientific paper

X-ray observations reveiled a group of radio-silent isolated neutron stars (INSs) at the centre of young supernova remnants (SNRs), dubbed central compact objects or CCOs, with properties different from those of classical rotation-powered pulsars. In at least three cases, evidence points towards CCOs being low-magnetized INSs, born with slow rotation periods, and possibly accreting from a debris disc of material formed out of the supernova event. Understanding the origin of the diversity of the CCOs can shed light on supernova explosion and neutron star formation models. Optical/infrared (IR) observations are crucial to test different CCO interpretations. The aim of our work is to perform a deep optical investigation of the CCO RX J0822.0-4300 in the Puppis A SNR, one of the most poorly understood in the CCO family. By using as a reference the Chandra X-ray coordinates of RX J0822.0-4300, we performed deep optical observations in the B, V and I bands with the Very Large Telescope (VLT). We found no candidate optical counterpart within 3 sigma of the computed Chandra X-ray position down to 5 sigma limits of B~27.2, V~26.9, and I~25.6, the deepest obtained in the optical band for this source. These limits confirm the non-detection of a companion brighter than an M5 dwarf. At the same time, they do not constrain optical emission from the neutron star surface, while emission from the magnetosphere would require a spectral break in the optical/IR.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Deep optical observations of the central X-ray source in the Puppis 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 Deep optical observations of the central X-ray source in the Puppis A supernova remnant, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Deep optical observations of the central X-ray source in the Puppis A supernova remnant will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-443004