Search for Gamma Ray Lines from Supernovae and Supernova Remnants

Abstract

An important astrophysical problem on which gamma ray astronomy has particular bearing is the study of gamma ray lines from supernovae (SN) in the process of development or from their remnants (SNR). Since the existence of many SNR is an experimental fact, most estimates of possible gamma ray emission concern the end result of the SN process. Exactly what occurs in the initial phase and how it is triggered is subject to considerably more speculation. Only a brief summary of some of the more pertinent predictions and observations will be given here.