OH 1720 MHz Masers in Supernova Remnants --- C-Shock Indicators

Details OH 1720 MHz Masers in Supernova Remnants --- C-Shock Indicators OH 1720 MHz Masers in Supernova Remnants --- C-Shock Indicators

1998-09-02

arxiv.org/abs/astro-ph/9809019v1

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

16 pages, 5 Postscript figures (included), uses aaspp4.sty. To appear in the Astrophysical Journal

Scientific paper

10.1086/306667

Recent observations show that the OH 1720 MHz maser is a powerful probe of the shocked region where a supernova remnant strikes a molecular cloud. We perform a thorough study of the pumping of this maser and find tight constraints on the physical conditions needed for its production. The presence of the maser implies moderate temperatures (50 -- 125 K) and densities ($\sim 10^5 cm^{-3}$), and OH column densities of order $10^{16} cm^{-2}$. We show that these conditions can exist only if the shocks are of C-type. J-shocks fail by such a wide margin that the presence of this maser could become the most powerful indicator of C-shocks. These conditions also mean that the 1720 MHz maser will be inherently weak compared to the other ground state OH masers. All the model predictions are in good agreement with the observations.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

OH 1720 MHz Masers in Supernova Remnants --- C-Shock Indicators 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 OH 1720 MHz Masers in Supernova Remnants --- C-Shock Indicators, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and OH 1720 MHz Masers in Supernova Remnants --- C-Shock Indicators will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-263480