Abstract
Abstract1E 1207.4–5209 is an X‐ray source located at the centre of the supernova remnant (SNR) PKS 1209–52 (G296.5+10.0) and is thought to be an isolated neutron star (INS) associated with the SNR. Its optical spectrum shows several absorption lines and the X‐ray spectrum exhibits three variable absorption features at what appears to be harmonically related wavelengths, the latter being interpreted as due to cyclotron resonance. However, there are several serious problems, uncertainties and difficulties in the above association (SNR/INS) and in the interpretation of the spectra. In view of these, we suggest an alternative explanation of the observed spectra in terms of blueshifts. This implies that the optical and X‐ray absorption spectra are due to the central object of the SNR in association with two separate absorption clouds ejected at successively increasing speeds. The clouds have their origins in jets resulting from the merger of two very massive compact stars. (© 2006 WILEY‐VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim)
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