The connection between the Vela supernova remnant, the optical nebula RCW37, and the young X-ray supernova remnant RX J0852.0-4622

M. P. Redman, J. Meaburn, M. Bryce, D. J. Harman, T. J. O'Brien

    Research output: Contribution to journalConference articlepeer-review

    Abstract

    The association between the Pencil nebula (RCW 37, NGC 2736), the Vela X-ray fragment D/D′ and the recently discovered new X-ray supernova remnant (RX J0852.0-4622) in Vela is investigated. [O III] 5007 Å line profiles of RCW 37 are presented that show the kinematics of this nebula for the first time. A partial velocity ellipse is present in the pv array of line profiles. The kinematics and morphology could suggest that the structure of RCW 37 is that of a thin curved sheet of optical emission that is undergoing a systematic expansion. A simple explanation for the data is that RX J0852.0-4622 has occured within the older, larger Vela SNR and that a portion of the supernova ejecta from RX J0852.0-4622 has impacted the pre-existing cold dense wall of the Vela SNR. The thin sheet of optical emission then traces out the inside edge of this shocked wall while the X-ray emission marks shock-heated gas. This model predicts that the distance to RX J0852.0-4622 will be that of the main Vela SNR which has been recently measured to be of order 250 pc.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)270-272
    Number of pages3
    JournalRevista Mexicana de Astronomia y Astrofisica: Serie de Conferencias
    Volume15
    Publication statusPublished - 1 Dec 2003
    EventWinds, Bubbles and Explosions: A Conference to Honor John Dyson - Patzcuaro, Michoacan, Mexico
    Duration: 9 Sept 200213 Sept 2002

    Keywords

    • Hydrodynamics
    • ISM: jets and outflows
    • Stars: winds, outflows

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