arXiv · 1909.05714
G4.8+6.2, a possible kilonova remnant?
Abstract
Kilonova explosions typically release $\sim 10^{50-51}$ erg in kinetic energy, which is sufficient to constitute a kilonova remnant (KNR); however, it has not yet been confirmed. In this work, we investigate the probable association between G4.8+6.2 and the guest star of AD 1163, which is recorded by the Korea ancient astronomers. Although the evidence available is insufficient to draw a definite conclusion, it is at least theoretically self-consistent that the guest star of AD 1163 was a historical kilonova associated with G4.8+6.2, considering the possible short visible timescale of AD 1163, the relatively high Galactic latitude of G4.8+6.2, and that G4.8+6.2 is spatially coincident with the guest star of AD 1163. Further observation of G4.8+6.2 is needed to test our hypothesis. If our interpretation is correct, our results indicate that young KNRs should have a large diameter and low surface brightness, unlike other young supernova remnants.
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Yu Liu, Yuan-Chuan Zou, Bing Jiang, He Gao, Shuai-Bing Ma, Bin Liao. 2019-09-12. G4.8+6.2, a possible kilonova remnant?. https://doi.org/10.1093/mnrasl%2Fslz141
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