Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics – High Energy Astrophysical Phenomena
Scientific paper
2010-02-09
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
High Energy Astrophysical Phenomena
10 pages, 8 Figures; accepted by A&A
Scientific paper
We report the results of our XMM-Newton monitoring of SN 1987A. The ongoing propagation of the supernova blast wave through the inner circumstellar ring caused a drastic increase in X-ray luminosity during the last years, enabling detailed high resolution X-ray spectroscopy with the Reflection Grating Spectrometer. The observations can be used to follow the detailed evolution of the arising supernova remnant. The fluxes and broadening of the numerous emission lines seen in the dispersed spectra provide information on the evolution of the X-ray emitting plasma and its dynamics. These were analyzed in combination with the EPIC-pn spectra, which allow a precise determination of the higher temperature plasma. We modeled individual emission lines and fitted plasma emission models. Especially from the observations between 2003 and 2007 we can see a significant evolution of the plasma parameters and a deceleration of the radial velocity of the lower temperature plasma regions. We found an indication (3-sigma-level) of an iron K feature in the co-added EPIC-pn spectra. The comparison with Chandra grating observations in 2004 yields a clear temporal coherence of the spectral evolution and the sudden deceleration of the expansion velocity seen in X-ray images ~6100 days after the explosion.
Aschenbach Bernd
Haberl Franck
Hasinger Guenter
Sturm Richard
No associations
LandOfFree
High Resolution X-Ray Spectroscopy of SN 1987A: Monitoring with XMM-Newton 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 High Resolution X-Ray Spectroscopy of SN 1987A: Monitoring with XMM-Newton, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and High Resolution X-Ray Spectroscopy of SN 1987A: Monitoring with XMM-Newton will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-124702