X-ray spectroscopy of the young supernova remnant RCW 86.
Abstract
An X-ray spectrum of the bright supernova remnant RCW 86 taken by the Japanese X-ray satellite Ginga is analyzed with non-equilibrium ionization models. The spectrum, after correction for galactic ridge emission, is consistent with a type II supernova explosion. From the identification with the historical remnant of A.D. 185 a distance of 0.95 +/- 0.4 kpc is derived. The massive progenitor had a mass of at least 22 solar masses, and went off in a medium modified by its stellar wind with an explosion energy of 2 x 10 exp 44 J. The abundances of Si, S, and Fe are below the solar abundances: 0.7, 0.7, and 0.2 respectively.
- Publication:
-
Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Pub Date:
- October 1992
- Bibcode:
- 1992A&A...264..654K
- Keywords:
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- Stellar Spectra;
- Supernova Remnants;
- X Ray Astronomy;
- Early Stars;
- Ginga Satellite;
- Supernovae;
- Astrophysics