Astronomy and Astrophysics – Astrophysics – Cosmology and Extragalactic Astrophysics
Scientific paper
2010-01-06
Astronomy and Astrophysics
Astrophysics
Cosmology and Extragalactic Astrophysics
Accepted for publication in Astrophysical Journal. 10 figures, 41 pp
Scientific paper
We present Wide Field Camera 3 images taken with the Hubble Space Telescope within a single field in the southern grand design star-forming galaxy M83. Based on their size, morphology and photometry in continuum-subtracted H$\alpha$, [\SII], H$\beta$, [\OIII] and [\OII] filters, we have identified 60 supernova remnant candidates, as well as a handful of young ejecta-dominated candidates. A catalog of these remnants, their sizes and, where possible their H$\alpha$ fluxes are given. Radiative ages and pre-shock densities are derived from those SNR which have good photometry. The ages lie in the range $2.62 < log(\tau_{\rm rad}/{\rm yr}) < 5.0$, and the pre-shock densities at the blast wave range over $0.56 < n_0/{\rm cm^{-3}} < 1680$. Two populations of SNR have been discovered. These divide into a nuclear and spiral arm group and an inter-arm population. We infer an arm to inter-arm density contrast of 4. The surface flux in diffuse X-rays is correlated with the inferred pre-shock density, indicating that the warm interstellar medium is pressurised by the hot X-ray plasma. We also find that the interstellar medium in the nuclear region of M83 is characterized by a very high porosity and pressure and infer a SNR rate of one per 70-150 yr for the nuclear ($R<300 $pc) region. On the basis of the number of SNR detected and their radiative ages, we infer that the lower mass of Type II SNe in M83 is $M_{\rm min} = 16^{+7}_ {-5}$ M$_{\odot}$. Finally we give evidence for the likely detection of the remnant of the historical supernova, SN1968L.
Balick Bruce
Blair William Patrick
Bond Howard E.
Calzetti Daniela
Carollo Marcella
No associations
LandOfFree
Supernova Remnants and the Interstellar Medium of M83: Imaging & Photometry with WFC3 on HST 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 Supernova Remnants and the Interstellar Medium of M83: Imaging & Photometry with WFC3 on HST, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Supernova Remnants and the Interstellar Medium of M83: Imaging & Photometry with WFC3 on HST will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-163780