Radio Observations of Supernova Remnants in the M82 Starburst

Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, 1998

We present Australia Telescope Compact Array (ATCA) observations of the supernova remnant (SNR) G296.8-00.3. A 1.3-GHz continuum image shows the remnant to have a complex multi-shelled appearance, with an unusual rectangular strip running through its centre. H i absorption yields a kinematic distance to the remnant of 9.6 ± 0.6 kpc, from which we estimate an age in the range (2 − 10) × 10 3 yr. The ATCA's continuum mode allows a measurement of the Faraday rotation across the band, from which we derive a mean rotation measure towards the SNR of 430 rad m −2. We consider possible explanations for the morphology of G296.8-00.3, and conclude that it either has a biannular structure, as might be produced through interaction with an asymmetric progenitor wind, or that its appearance is caused by the effects of the surrounding interstellar medium. We argue that the adjacent pulsar J1157-6224 is at a similar distance as the SNR, but that a physical association is highly unlikely. The pulsar is the only detectable source in the field in circular polarization, suggesting a method for finding pulsars during aperture synthesis.

1997

We argue that the adjacent pulsar J1157-6224 is at a similar distance as the SNR, but that a physical association is highly unlikely. The pulsar is the only detectable source in the field in circular polarization, suggesting a method for finding pulsars during aperture synthesis.

We present Murchison Widefield Array observations of the supernova remnant (SNR) 1987A between 72 and 230 MHz, representing the lowest frequency observations of the source to date. This large lever arm in frequency space constrains the properties of the circumstellar medium created by the progenitor of SNR 1987A when it was in its red supergiant phase. As of late-2013, the radio spectrum of SNR 1987A between 72 MHz and 8.64 GHz does not show any deviation from a non-thermal power-law with a spectral index of −0.74 ± 0.02. This spectral index is consistent with that derived at higher frequencies, beneath 100 GHz, and with a shock in its adiabatic phase. A spectral turnover due to free-free absorption by the circumstellar medium has to occur below 72 MHz, which places upper limits on the optical depth of ≤ 0.1 at a reference frequency of 72 MHz, emission measure of 13,000 cm −6 pc, and an electron density of 110 cm −3. This upper limit on the electron density is consistent with the detection of prompt radio emission and models of the X-ray emission from the supernova. The electron density upper limit implies that some hydrodynamic simulations derived a red supergiant mass loss rate that is too high, or a wind velocity that is too low. The mass loss rate of ∼ 5 × 10 −6 solar mass yr −1 and wind velocity of 10 km s −1 obtained from optical observations are consistent with our upper limits, predicting a current turnover frequency due to free-free absorption between 5 and 60 MHz.

We present results from 20 years of global VLBI imaging of the supernova remnants in Messier 82. These observations, along with deep MERLIN 5 GHz observations, have traced the structural evolution of the most compact radio supernova remnants, measuring their source sizes, structures and expansion velocities. Additionally these observations constrain the rate at which these expanding shells are decelerating due to their interaction with the surrounding ISM.

Astronomy & Astrophysics - ASTRON ASTROPHYS, 2000

We present a high-resolution 5-GHz radio continuum map of the starburst galaxy NGC 2146 made with MERLIN and the VLA (A-array), in a search of radio supernovae and supernova remnants expected to be already produced by the most massive stars in the starburst. At 5 GHz, about 20 point sources were detected earlier by Glendenning & Kronberg (1986) in the central 800 pc of NGC 2146. Our observations with higher sensitivity and resolution made with MERLIN and the VLA confirm the detection of 18 sources, and resolve 7 of them. Additional 1.6-GHz MERLIN observations disclose 9 sources coincident in position with those detected at 5 GHz, which allows us to derive their spectral indices alpha 1.65, (Snu ~ nu alpha ). Only 3 sources have indices (alpha 0). We suggest that the sources with positive spectral index are optically thick ultra-compact and/or ultra-dense H II regions with high electron densities and high emission measures (EM > 107 cm-6 pc). Minimum energy requirements indicate t...

2004

The high resolution obtained through the use of VLBI gives an unique opportunity to directly observe the interaction of an expanding radio supernova with its surrounding medium. We present here results from our VLBI observations of the young supernovae SN 1979C, SN 1986J, and SN 2001gd.

2005

The high resolution obtained through the use of VLBI gives an unique opportunity to directly observe the interaction of an expanding radio supernova with its surrounding medium. We present here results from our VLBI observations of the young supernovae SN 1979C, SN 1986J, and SN 2001gd.

Astronomy & Astrophysics, 2015

Aims. We present a multi-frequency study of the supernova remnant MCSNR J0512−6707 in the Large Magellanic Cloud. Methods. We used new data from XMM-Newton to characterise the X-ray emission and data from the Australian Telescope Compact Array, the Magellanic Cloud Emission Line Survey, and Spitzer to gain a picture of the environment into which the remnant is expanding. We performed a morphological study, determined radio polarisation and magnetic field orientation, and performed an X-ray spectral analysis. Results. We estimated the remnant's size to be 24.9 (±1.5) × 21.9 (±1.5) pc, with the major axis rotated ∼29 • east of north. Radio polarisation images at 3 cm and 6 cm indicate a higher degree of polarisation in the northwest and southeast tangentially oriented to the SNR shock front, indicative of an SNR compressing the magnetic field threading the interstellar medium. The X-ray spectrum is unusual as it requires a soft (∼0.2 keV) collisional ionisation equilibrium thermal plasma of interstellar medium abundance, in addition to a harder component. Using our fit results and the Sedov dynamical model, we showed that the thermal emission is not consistent with a Sedov remnant. We suggested that the thermal X-rays can be explained by MCSNR J0512−6707 having initially evolved into a wind-blown cavity and is now interacting with the surrounding dense shell. The origin of the hard component remains unclear. We could not determine the supernova type from the X-ray spectrum. Indirect evidence for the type is found in the study of the local stellar population and star formation history in the literature, which suggests a core-collapse origin. Conclusions. MCSNR J0512−6707 likely resulted from the core-collapse of high mass progenitor which carved a low density cavity into its surrounding medium, with the soft X-rays resulting from the impact of the blast wave with the surrounding shell. The unusual hard X-ray component requires deeper and higher spatial resolution radio and X-ray observations to confirm its origin.

Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, 2009

We present observations between 14.2 and 17.9 GHz of 12 reported supernova remnants (SNRs) made with the Arcminute Microkelvin Imager Small Array (AMI SA). In conjunction with data from the literature at lower radio frequencies, we determine spectra of these objects. For well-studied SNRs (Cas A, Tycho's SNR, 3C58 and the Crab Nebula), the results are in good agreement with spectra based on previous results. For the less well-studied remnants the AMI SA observations provide higher-frequency radio observations than previously available, and better constrain their radio spectra. The AMI SA results confirm a spectral turnover at ≃ 11 GHz for the filled-centre remnant G74·9+1·2. We also see a possible steepening of the spectrum of the filled-centre remnant G54·1+0·3 within the AMI SA frequency band compared with lower frequencies. We confirm that G84·9+0·5, which had previously been identified as a SNR, is rather an HII region and has a flat radio spectrum. ) that 'shell' type remnants, which typically have α in the range 0.3 to 0.7, show spectral flattening at higher frequencies.

Astronomy & Astrophysics, 2013

Context. The Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) hosts a rich and varied population of supernova remnants (SNRs). Optical, X-ray, and radio observations are required to identify these SNRs, as well as to ascertain the various processes responsible for the large array of physical characteristics observed. Aims. In this paper we attempted to confirm the candidate SNR [HP99] 1234, identified in X-rays with ROSAT, as a true SNR by supplementing these X-ray data with optical and radio observations. Methods. Optical data from the Magellanic Cloud Emission Line Survey (MCELS) and new radio data from the Molonglo Observatory Synthesis Telescope (MOST), in addition to the ROSAT X-ray data, were used to perform a multiwavelength morphological analysis of this candidate SNR. Results. An approximately ellipsoidal shell of enhanced [S ] emission, typical of an SNR ([S ]/Hα > 0.4), was detected in the optical. This enhancement is positionally coincident with faint radio emission at λ = 36 cm. Using the available data we estimated the size of the remnant to be ∼5.1 × 4.0 (∼75 pc × 59 pc). However, the measurement along the major-axis was somewhat uncertain due to a lack of optical and radio emission at its extremities and the poor resolution of the X-ray data. Assuming this SNR is in the Sedov phase and adopting the ambient mass density of 1.2 × 10 −25 g cm −3 measured in a nearby H  region, an age estimate of ∼25 kyr was calculated for a canonical initial explosion energy of 10 51 erg. However, this age estimate should be treated cautiously due to uncertainties on the adopted parameters. Analysis of the local stellar population suggested a type Ia event as a precursor to this SNR, however, a core-collapse mechanism could not be ruled out due to the possibility of the progenitor being a runaway massive star. Conclusions. With the detection of X-ray, radio and significant optical line emission with enhanced [S ], this object was confirmed as an SNR to which we assign the identifier MCSNR J0527−7104.

AIP Conference Proceedings, 2009

Study of radio supernovae over the past 27 years includes more than three dozen detected objects and more than 150 upper limits. From this work it is possible to identify classes of radio properties, demonstrate conformance to and deviations from existing models, estimate the density and structure of the circumstellar material and, by inference, the evolution of the presupemova stellar wind, and reveal the last stages of stellar evolution before explosion. It is also possible to detect ionized hydrogen along the line of sight, to demonstrate binary properties of the presupemova stellar system, and to detect dumpiness of the circumstellar material. Along with reviewing these general properties of the radio emission from supernovae, we present our extensive observations of the radio emission from supemova (SN) 1993J in M 81 (NGC 3031) made with the Very Large Array and other radio telescopes. The SN 1993J radio emission evolves regularly in both time and frequency, and the usual interpretation in terms of shock interaction with a circumstellar medium (CSM) formed by a pre-supernova stellar wind describes the observations rather well considering the complexity of the phenomenon. However: 1) The highest frequency measurements at 85 -110 GHz at early times (< 40 days) are not well fitted by the parameterization which describes the cm wavelength measurements rather well. 2) At mid-cm wavelengths there is often deviation from the fitted radio light curves, particularly near the peak flux density, and considerable shorter term deviations in the declining portion when the emission has become optically thin. 3) At a time -^3100 days after shock breakout, the decline rate of the radio emission steepens from (t+^)/3 -^ -0.7to/3 -^ -2.7 without change in the spectral index (v+"; a-^ -0.81). However, this decline is best described not as a power-law, but as an exponential decay starting at day -^ 3100 with an e-folding time of -^ 1100 days. 4) The best overall fit to all of the data is a model including both non-thermal synchrotron self-absorption (SSA) and a thermal free-free absorbing (FFA) components at early times, evolving to a constant spectral index, optically thin decline rate, until a break in that decline rate at day -^3100, as mentioned above. Moreover, neither a purely SSA nor a purely FFA absorbing model can provide a fit that simultaneously reproduces the light curves, the spectral index evolution, and the brightness temperature evolution.

The Astrophysical Journal, 2021

We present the largest and deepest late-time radio and millimeter survey to date of superluminous supernovae (SLSNe) and long-duration gamma-ray bursts (LGRBs) to search for associated nonthermal synchrotron emission. Using the Karl G. Jansky Very Large Array (VLA) and the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA), we observed 43 sources at 6 and 100 GHz on a timescale of ∼ 1–19 yr post-explosion. We do not detect radio/millimeter emission from any of the sources, with the exception of a 6 GHz detection of PTF10hgi, as well as the detection of 6 GHz emission near the location of the SLSN PTF12dam, which we associate with its host galaxy. We use our data to place constraints on central engine emission due to magnetar wind nebulae and off-axis relativistic jets. We also explore nonrelativistic emission from the SN ejecta, and place constraints on obscured star formation in the host galaxies. In addition, we conduct a search for fast radio bursts (FRBs) from some of the sourc...

Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society, 2012

We present a multi-wavelength study of the radio source G296.7-0.9. This source has a bilateral radio morphology, a radio spectral index of −0.5 ± 0.1, sparse patches of linear polarisation, and thermal X-rays with a bright arc near the radio boundary. Considering these characteristics, we conclude that G296.7-0.9 is a supernova remnant (SNR). The age and morphology of the SNR in the context of its environment suggest that the source is co-located with an H ii region, and that portions of the shock front have broken out into a lower density medium. We see no evidence for a neutron star or pulsar wind nebula associated with SNR G296.7-0.9.

Astronomy & Astrophysics, 2012

Context. The Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) is an ideal target for the study of an unbiased and complete sample of supernova remnants (SNRs). We started an X-ray survey of the LMC with XMM-Newton, which, in combination with observations at other wavelengths, will allow us to discover and study remnants that are either even fainter or more evolved (or both) than previously known. Aims. We present new X-ray and radio data of the LMC SNR candidate DEM L205, obtained by XMM-Newton and ATCA, along with archival optical and infrared observations. Methods. We use data at various wavelengths to study this object and its complex neighbourhood, in particular in the context of the star formation activity, past and present, around the source. We analyse the X-ray spectrum to derive some remnant's properties, such as age and explosion energy. Results. Supernova remnant features are detected at all observed wavelengths : soft and extended X-ray emission is observed, arising from a thermal plasma with a temperature kT between 0.2 keV and 0.3 keV. Optical line emission is characterised by an enhanced [S ii]-to-Hα ratio and a shell-like morphology, correlating with the X-ray emission. The source is not or only tentatively detected at near-infrared wavelengths (shorter than 10 μm), but there is a detection of arc-like emission at mid and far-infrared wavelengths (24 and 70 μm) that can be unambiguously associated with the remnant. We suggest that thermal emission from dust heated by stellar radiation and shock waves is the main contributor to the infrared emission. Finally, an extended and faint non-thermal radio emission correlates with the remnant at other wavelengths and we find a radio spectral index between −0.7 and −0.9, within the range for SNRs. The size of the remnant is ∼79 × 64 pc and we estimate a dynamical age of about 35 000 years. Conclusions. We definitely confirm DEM L205 as a new SNR. This object ranks amongst the largest remnants known in the LMC. The numerous massive stars and the recent outburst in star formation around the source strongly suggest that a core-collapse supernova is the progenitor of this remnant.

Astrophysics and Space Science, 2012

We report XMM-Newton observations of the Galactic supernova remnant G296.8−0.3, together with complementary radio and infrared data. The spatial and spectral properties of the X-ray emission, detected towards G296.8−0.3, was investigated in order to explore the possible evolutionary scenarios and the physical connexion with its unusual morphology detected at radio frequencies. G296.8−0.3 displays diffuse X-ray emission correlated with the peculiar radio morphology detected in the interior of the remnant and with the shell-like radio structure observed to the northwest side of the object. The X-ray emission peaks in the soft/medium energy range (0.5-3.0 keV). The Xray spectral analysis confirms that the column density is high (N H ∼0.64×10 22 cm −2 ) which supports a distant location (d>9 kpc) for the SNR. Its X-ray spectrum can be well represented by a thermal (PSHOCK)