X-ray observations of supernova remnants from the Einstein Observatory.

The Einstein Observatory (HEAO-2), a three-axis stabilized spacecraft, has operated since November 1978 and carries a grazing-incidence X-ray telescope with a geometric collecting area of about 400 sq cm. Results of its observations on thermal and nonthermal X-ray emitting supernova remnants are discussed. The Crab Nebula has been up to now the only confirmed example of a nonthermal remnant emitting X-rays via the synchrotron process, but Einstein Solid State Spectrometer results have added several new members to that class. Observations of young supernova remnants are discussed, including SN1006, Tycho, Kepler, Cas A, RCW103, and MSH11-54. Of these, the most exciting discovery to date has been the presence of a point X-ray source at the geometric center of RCW103, believed to be a neutron star produced at the instant of the supernova explosion. Results for observations of Large Magellanic Cloud remnants are also examined.