Einstein observations of supernova remnants

X-ray maps of nine supernova remnants ordered approximately by age and by prominence of central objects are presented. The maps were prepared from data collected by investigators at the Einstein Observatory of the soft X-ray emission from approximately 40 galactic supernova remnants. The detectors covered the energy range of 0.2-4.0 keV and the data were collected between November 1978-April 1981. It is found that the young supernovae appear as strongly limb brightened shells and both ejecta from the exploded star and hot material behind the shock propagating in the interstellar medium are observed. The mass of material in the different components can be calculated and the dynamic state of the supernova remnants can be determined. In addition, compact objects are found in some remnants as point sources with X-ray pulsed fractions ranging from 0 to approximately 100%. Diffuse X-rays powered by high energy particles associated with the compact sources are also detected.