X-ray spectrum of the supernova remnant W49B from Exosat

Journal Article · Sun Sep 01 00:00:00 EDT 1985 · Astrophys. J.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1086/163466· OSTI ID:5658361

Smith, A; Peacock, A; Jones, L R; Pye, J P

X-ray observations of the supernova remnant W49B made by the medium-energy detector and gas scintillation propotional counter experiments on board Exosat are presented. The detection of a very strong emission line feature at 6.7 keV indicates a thermal origin of the X-rays. Fitting the spectral data with an optically thin thermal plasma model indicates a temperature of 2 keV for the remnant. From a consideration of Exosat, Einstein, and radio data, it is suggested that the dominant observed X-ray emission comes from a reverse shock. 17 references.

• Research Organization: ESA, Noordwijk, Netherlands; Leicester Univ., England
• OSTI ID: 5658361
• Journal Information: Astrophys. J.; (United States), Vol. 296
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
SUPERNOVA REMNANTS
X-RAY SPECTRA
EMISSION SPECTRA
ENERGY SPECTRA
NEBULAE
SATELLITES
SCINTILLATION COUNTERS
COSMIC RADIO SOURCES
MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
RADIATION DETECTORS
SPECTRA
640103* - Astrophysics & Cosmology- Quasi-Stellar
Radio
& X-Ray Sources- (-1987)