Nucleosynthesis and Mixing in Cassiopeia A

Details Nucleosynthesis and Mixing in Cassiopeia A Nucleosynthesis and Mixing in Cassiopeia A

1999-10-26

arxiv.org/abs/astro-ph/9910474v1

Astrophys.J.528:L109-L113,2000

Astronomy and Astrophysics

Astrophysics

13 pages, including 3 postscript figs, LaTeX. Accepted by ApJ

Scientific paper

10.1086/312438

We present results from the first light observations of the Cassiopeia A (Cas A) supernova remnant (SNR) by the Chandra X-ray Observatory. The X-ray spectrum varies on all spatial scales down to the instrumental limit (0.02 pc at the SNR). Based on representative spectra from four selected regions we investigate the processes of nucleosynthesis and mixing in Cas A. We make the first unequivocal identification of iron-rich ejecta produced by explosive silicon-burning in a young Galactic SNR. Elsewhere in the remnant we see silicon-rich ejecta from explosive oxygen-burning. Remarkably, our study finds that the Fe-rich ejecta lies outside the Si-rich material, leading to the conclusion that bulk motions of the ejecta were extensive and energetic enough in Cas A to cause a spatial inversion of a significant portion of the supernova core during the explosion. It is likely that this inversion was caused by ``Fe''-rich ejecta emerging in plumes from the rising bubbles in the neutrino-driven convection layer. In addition the radioactive decay energy from $^{56}$Ni may have contributed to the subsequent evolution of the material. We have also discovered faint, well-defined filaments with featureless X-ray spectra that are possibly the sites of cosmic ray acceleration in Cas A.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Nucleosynthesis and Mixing in Cassiopeia A 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 Nucleosynthesis and Mixing in Cassiopeia A, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Nucleosynthesis and Mixing in Cassiopeia A will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-24351