Spatial structure in the soft X-ray background as observed from OSO-8, and the North Polar Spur as a reheated supernova remnant.

Soft X-ray sky maps are presented in three channels spanning 0.17 to 1.8 keV, covering parts of the area 1 3000 to 600 and b 150 to 600. Taken with an angular resolution of 30 and high exposure, these maps show detailed structure in several emission features in the soft X-ray background, including the North Polar Spur and "hot spots" in Hercules, Centaurus, and 0phiuchus. The structure of the X-ray emission in association with the neutral hydrogen and radio continuum emission from the North Polar Spur is discussed. Finally, evidence is presented showing that the North Polar Spur could be an old, but reheated, supernova remnant. Subject headings: nebulae: supernova remnants - X-rays: general