HST WFPC2 Imaging of SNR Shocks in Superbubbles

Mathematics – Logic

Scientific paper

Rate now

  [ 0.00 ] – not rated yet Voters 0   Comments 0

Details

Scientific paper

Bright X-ray emission has been detected in superbubbles in the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC). As their X-ray luminosities are much higher than those expected in superbubble models by, e.g., Weaver et al. (1977), it is suggested that supernova remnants (SNRs) hitting the inner shell walls are responsible for the X-ray emission (Chu & Mac Low 1990). To identify SNR shocks in superbubble interiors, we have obtained HST WFPC2 images of the X-ray-bright superbubbles N44 and N51D in Hα and [S II] lines, and the X-ray-dim superbubble DEM106 in Hα . We expect to use the filamentary morphology and [S II]/Hα ratio to identify SNR shocks. Of these three superbubbles, N44 has the highest X-ray surface brightness. N44 also has the most filamentary nebular morphology, the largest expansion velocity ( ~ 45 km/s), and the highest [S II]/Hα ratio (0.4--0.6). The [S II]/Hα ratio increases outwards and peaks in sharp filaments along the periphery. N51D has a moderate X-ray surface brightness. N51D has a turbulent, but not filamentary, morphology, a moderate expansion velocity (35 km/s), and a low [S II]/Hα ratio ( ~ 0.15). DEM106 is not detected in X-rays. Its shell structure is amorphous and has embedded dusty features. Its expansion velocity is < 10 km/s. In order to determine whether the morphological differences among N44, N51D, and DEM106 are statistically significant, we have examined all archival WFPC2 Hα images of LMC fields. We find a good correlation between X-ray surface brightness and sharp filamentary nebular morphology, suggesting that SNR shocks are responsible for the filamentary morphology. Therefore, high-resolution imaging is an effective way to identify SNR shocks. The [S II]/Hα ratio is not an effective indicator of SNR shocks near OB associations, unless its spatial variation is taken into account.

No associations

LandOfFree

Say what you really think

Search LandOfFree.com for scientists and scientific papers. Rate them and share your experience with other people.

Rating

HST WFPC2 Imaging of SNR Shocks in Superbubbles 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 HST WFPC2 Imaging of SNR Shocks in Superbubbles, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and HST WFPC2 Imaging of SNR Shocks in Superbubbles will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

     

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1121386

  Search
All data on this website is collected from public sources. Our data reflects the most accurate information available at the time of publication.