An X-ray view of Sagittarius C
Abstract
The molecular complex Sagittarius C is located approximately 0.5 degree west from the centre of the Milky Way. This is a key position to investigate the high-energy processes ongoing in the Central Molecular Zone and their link with the past activity of the Galactic nucleus. The thermal diffuse emission from Sagittarius C has notably revealed the presence of a supernova remnant and of an associated chimney-like outflow structure. Its non-thermal emission, which consists in a Compton reflection continuum and fluorescent lines, is mainly due to the reflection of past flares of the supermassive black hole Sagittarius A* on molecular material. The study of these thermal and non-thermal emissions provides important insights into the environment of the Galactic centre and could constrain the activity of the Galactic nucleus further in the past. New results on the X-ray emission from the Sagittarius C complex based on Chandra and XMM-Newton observations collected between 2005 and 2014 will be presented. The small scale morphology of the thermal emission will be discussed as well as varying features in the non-thermal emission and their implications on the reflection phenomenon.
- Publication:
-
41st COSPAR Scientific Assembly
- Pub Date:
- July 2016
- Bibcode:
- 2016cosp...41E.354C