Exploring a SNR/molecular cloud association within HESS J1745-303
Abstract
Aims: HESS J1745-303 is an extended, unidentified VHE (very high energy) gamma-ray source discovered using HESS in the Galactic Plane Survey. Since no obvious counterpart has previously been found in longer-wavelength data, the processes that power the VHE emission are not well understood.
Methods: Combining the latest VHE data with recent XMM-Newton observations and a variety of source catalogs and lower-energy survey data, we attempt to match (from an energetic and positional standpoint) the various parts of the emission of HESS J1745-303 with possible candidates.
Results: Though no single counterpart is found to fully explain the VHE emission, we postulate that at least a fraction of the VHE source may be explained by a supernova-remnant/molecular-cloud association and/or a high-spin-down-flux pulsar.
- Publication:
-
Astronomy and Astrophysics
- Pub Date:
- May 2008
- DOI:
- 10.1051/0004-6361:20079230
- arXiv:
- arXiv:0803.2844
- Bibcode:
- 2008A&A...483..509A
- Keywords:
-
- gamma rays: observations;
- X-rays: general;
- Galaxy: general;
- ISM: cosmic rays;
- ISM: clouds;
- Astrophysics
- E-Print:
- 11 pages, 4 figures, Accepted for publication in Astronomy &