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Chandra Observations of Shock Kinematics in Supernova Remnant 1987A

S. A. Zhekov·R. McCray·K. J. Borkowski·D. N. Burrows·S. Park
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Abstract

We report the first results from deep X-ray observations of the SNR 1987A with the Chandra LETG. Temperatures inferred from line ratios range from 0.1 - 2 keV and increase with ionization potential. Expansion velocities inferred from X-ray line profiles range from 300 - 1700 km/s, much less than the velocities inferred from the radial expansion of the radio and X-ray images. We can account for these observations with a scenario in which the X-rays are emitted by shocks produced where the supernova blast wave strikes dense protrusions of the inner circumstellar ring, which are also responsible for the optical hot spots.

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S. A. Zhekov, R. McCray, K. J. Borkowski, D. N. Burrows, S. Park. 2005-06-19. Chandra Observations of Shock Kinematics in Supernova Remnant 1987A. https://doi.org/10.1086/432794

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