A Blast-Wave Model for the VELA X Supernova Remnant and the Origin of the GUM Nebula

Abstract

view Abstract Citations (27) References (11) Co-Reads Similar Papers Volume Content Graphics Metrics Export Citation NASA/ADS A Blast-Wave Model for the VELA X Supernova Remnant and the Origin of the GUM Nebula Tucker, Wallace H. Abstract The origin of the radio and X-ray emission from Vela X is discussed. The X-ray observations can be interpreted in terms of thermal radiation from a blast wave produced by the supernova explosion that formed Vela X. For an appropriate choice of parameters, the total power radiated by the shock wave is sufficient to explain the ionization in the Gum Nebula. The radio emission can be explained in terms of synchrotron radiation from relativistic electrons interacting with the region of high magnetic field behind the shock front. The pulsar in Vela X must have been about 100 times more active in the past in order to explain the energy content in relativistic electrons. A synchrotron origin for the X-ray emission is also possible. It should be possible to prove or disprove the thermal model by means of highresolution X-ray observations and perhaps by the observation of coronal iron-line emission. Publication: The Astrophysical Journal Pub Date: August 1971 DOI: 10.1086/180766 Bibcode: 1971ApJ...167L..85T full text sources ADS |