Supernova Remnant CTB Research Articles

Discovery and timing of pulsar J2016+3711 in supernova remnant CTB 87 with FAST

ABSTRACT We report on our discovery of the radio pulsar, PSR J2016+3711, in supernova remnant (SNR) CTB 87, with a ∼10.8σ significance of pulses, which confirms the compact nature of the X-ray point source in CTB 87. It is the first pulsar discovered in SNRs using Five-hundred-meter Aperture Spherical radio Telescope (FAST). Its integrated radio pulse profile can be well described by a single component, with a width at 50 per cent of the peak flux density of about 28.1○ and an effective width of about 32.2○. The mean flux density at 1.25 GHz is estimated to be about 15.5 $\mu$Jy. Combined with the non-detection of the radio pulse at lower frequencies, the radio spectral index of the pulsar is constrained to be ≲2.3. We also present the timing solution based on 28 follow-up FAST observations. Our results reveal a period of 50.81 ms, period derivative of 7.2 × 10−14 s s−1, and dispersion measure of 428 pc cm−3. The strength of the equatorial surface magnetic dipole magnetic field is inferred to be about 1.9 × 1012 G. Using the ephemeris obtained from the radio observations, we searched Fermi-LAT data for gamma-ray pulsations but detected no pulsed signal. We also searched for radio pulses with FAST towards the X-ray counterpart of the gamma-ray binary HESS J1832−093 proximate to SNR G22.7−00.2 but found no signal.

The Jets and the Neutron Star Kick Velocity of the Supernova Remnant CTB 1

We identify jet-shaped morphology in the core-collapse supernova remnant (SNR) CTB 1 that includes two opposite structural features. We identify these as the imprints of a pair of jets that were among the last jets to explode the massive stellar progenitor of CTB 1. We find the projected angle between the jets’ axis and the direction of the pulsar velocity, which is the neutron star natal kick, to be α = 78°. We tentatively identify possible signatures of a second pair of opposite jets along a different direction. If this identification holds, SNR CTB 1 has a point-symmetric structure. The morphology and large angle of the jets’ axis to kick velocity are expected in the jittering jets explosion mechanism of core-collapse supernovae.

The Galactic supernova remnant CTB 1: optical and X-ray emission analysis

ABSTRACT We present the kinematic results for the supernova remnant (SNR) CTB 1, obtained with the PUMA equipment of the 2.1-m telescope at San Pedro Mártir National Astronomical Observatory, Baja California, Mexico. The observations were made on the H α line using a Fabry–Perot interferometer. The kinematics derived from the Fabry–Perot velocity cubes allowed us to estimate a kinematic distance for this SNR. We estimate that CTB1 is about 3.8 kpc from the sun, corresponding to a linear diameter of 19 pc, with an expansion velocity of $286 \rm ~ km ~s^{-1}$. Additionally, we analyse the diffuse X-ray emission from CTB 1 using data from the XMM–Newton observatory. From the best fits to the spectrum of southwest and northeast regions, we obtained a hot plasma temperature $\sim 0.1-0.3 ~\rm keV$ with an overabundance in O and Ne and a lower abundance in Fe, which could be caused by a SNR with a stellar progenitor between 10 to $70 \, \rm {\rm M}_{\odot }$. The initial energy of the supernova explosion is estimated between (0.6–1.0) × 1050 erg for soft X-ray emission. The X-ray emission also presents a non-thermal component of low surface brightness in the hard X-ray band. Images in radio and X-ray emission allow us to classify CTB 1 as mixed-morphology supernova type. The evolution models show that the cloudy ISM model is the only one that reproduces the mixed morphology type observed in the SNR CTB 1.

QUIJOTE scientific results – XIII. Intensity and polarization study of the microwave spectra of supernova remnants in the QUIJOTE-MFI wide survey: CTB 80, Cygnus Loop, HB 21, CTA 1, Tycho, and HB 9

ABSTRACT We use the new QUIJOTE-MFI wide survey (11, 13, 17, and 19 GHz) to produce spectral energy distributions (SEDs), on an angular scale of 1°, of the supernova remnants (SNRs) CTB 80, Cygnus Loop, HB 21, CTA 1, Tycho, and HB 9. We provide new measurements of the polarized synchrotron radiation in the microwave range. The intensity and polarization SEDs are obtained and modelled by combining QUIJOTE-MFI maps with ancillary data. In intensity, we confirm the curved spectra of CTB 80 and HB 21 with a break frequency νb at 2.0$^{+1.2}_{-0.5}$ and 5.0$^{+1.2}_{-1.0}$ GHz, respectively; and spectral indices above the break of $-0.6^{+0.04}_{-0.05}$ and $-0.86^{+0.04}_{-0.05}$. We provide constraints on the Anomalous Microwave Emission, suggesting that it is negligible towards these SNRs. From a simultaneous intensity and polarization fit, we recover synchrotron spectral indices as flat as −0.24, and the whole sample has a mean and scatter of −0.44 ± 0.12. The polarization fractions have a mean and scatter of 6.1 ± 1.9 per cent. When combining our results with the measurements from other QUIJOTE (Q-U-I JOint TEnerife CMB experiment) studies of SNRs, we find that radio spectral indices are flatter for mature SNRs, and particularly flatter for CTB 80 ($-0.24^{+0.07}_{-0.06}$) and HB 21 ($-0.34^{+0.04}_{-0.03}$). In addition, the evolution of the spectral indices against the SNRs age is modelled with a power-law function, providing an exponent −0.07 ± 0.03 and amplitude −0.49 ± 0.02 (at 10 kyr), which are conservative with respect to previous studies of our Galaxy and the Large Magellanic Cloud.

3D MHD simulations of the supernova remnant CTB 109

ABSTRACT We examine the evolution and emission of the supernova remnant (SNR) CTB 109 using 3D magnetohydrodynamics simulations. The SNR evolves in a medium divided by a plane interface into two media with different densities and pressure equilibrium. Our results reveal that a remnant with the characteristics of CTB 109 is formed provided the supernova (SN) explosion takes place in the less dense medium and also if the interstellar magnetic field (ISMF) is almost uniform. Finally, we conclude that the quasi-parallel mechanism can explain the brightness synchrotron emission and the position angle of the projected ISMF reported in previous works.

Spectrum and Morphology of the Very-high-energy Source HAWC J2019+368

Abstract The MGRO J2019+37 region is one of the brightest sources in the sky at TeV energies. It was detected in the second HAWC catalog as 2HWC J2019+367 and here we present a detailed study of this region using data from HAWC. This analysis resolves the region into two sources: HAWC J2019+368 and HAWC J2016+371. We associate HAWC J2016+371 with the evolved supernova remnant CTB 87, although its low significance in this analysis prevents a detailed study at this time. An investigation of the morphology (including possible energy-dependent morphology) and spectrum for HAWC J2019+368 is the focus of this work. We associate HAWC J2019+368 with PSR J2021+3651 and its X-ray pulsar wind nebula, the Dragonfly nebula. Modeling the spectrum measured by HAWC and Suzaku reveals a ∼7 kyr pulsar and nebula system producing the observed emission at X-ray and γ-ray energies.

A source of gamma rays coincident with the shell of the supernova remnant CTB 80

ABSTRACT CTB 80 (G69.0+2.7) is a relatively old (50–80 kyr) supernova remnant (SNR) with a complex radio morphology showing three extended radio arms and a radio and X-ray nebula near the location of the pulsar PSR B1951+32. We report on a study of the GeV emission in the region of CTB 80 with Fermi-Large Area Telescope data. An extended source with a size of 1.3°, matching the size of the infrared shell associated to the SNR, was discovered. The GeV emission, detected up to an energy of ∼20 GeV, is more significant at the location of the northern radio arm where previous observations imply that the SNR shock is interacting with ambient material. Both hadronic and leptonic scenarios can reproduce the multiwavelength data reasonably well. The hadronic cosmic ray energy density required is considerably larger than the local Galactic value and the gamma-ray leptonic emission is mainly due to bremsstrahlung interactions. We conclude that GeV particles are still trapped or accelerated by the SNR producing the observed high-energy emission when interacting with ambient material.

Investigation of magneto‐thermal evolution of AXP 1E 2259 + 586

AbstractIn this work, we calculated the toroidal magnetic field decay rates and magnetic energy decay rates by considering the general relativity effect of AXP 1E2259 + 586 associated with the supernova remnant CTB 109. The results confirmed that the high thermal radiation on the surface of the star could be attributed to Joule heating caused by the dissipation of crustal magnetic field. We also investigated the effects of ultrastrong magnetic fields on magnetization parameter and thermal conductivity in the crust.

A polarization study of the supernova remnant CTB 80

We present a radio polarization study of the supernova remnant CTB 80 based on images at 1420 MHz from the Canadian Galactic Plane Survey, at 2695 MHz from the Effelsberg survey of the Galactic plane and at 4800 MHz from the Sino-German λ6 cm polarization survey of the Galactic plane. We obtained a rotation measure (RM) map using polarization angles at 2695 MHz and 4800 MHz as the polarization percentages are similar at these two frequencies. RM exhibits a transition from positive values to negative values along one of the shells hosting the pulsar PSR B1951+32 and its pulsar wind nebula. The reason for the change in sign remains unclear. We identified a partial shell structure, which is bright in polarized intensity but weak in total intensity. This structure could be part of CTB 80 or part of a new supernova remnant unrelated to CTB 80.

On the Origin of the Gamma-Ray Emission toward SNR CTB 37A with Fermi-LAT

Abstract The middle-aged supernova remnant (SNR) CTB 37A is known to interact with several dense molecular clouds through the detection of shocked H2 and OH 1720 MHz maser emission. In the present work, we use eight years of Fermi-LAT Pass 8 data, with an improved point-spread function and an increased acceptance, to perform detailed morphological and spectral studies of the γ-ray emission toward CTB 37A from 200 MeV to 200 GeV. The best fit of the source extension is obtained for a very compact Gaussian model with a significance of 5.75σ and a 68% containment radius of 0.°116 ± 0.°014stat ± 0.°017sys above 1 GeV, which is larger than the TeV emission size. The energy spectrum is modeled as a LogParabola, resulting in a spectral index α = 1.92 ± 0.19 at 1 GeV and a curvature β = 0.18 ± 0.05, which becomes softer than the TeV spectrum above 10 GeV. The SNR properties, including a dynamical age of 6000 yr, are derived assuming the Sedov phase. From the multiwavelength modeling of emission toward the remnant, we conclude that the nonthermal radio and GeV emission is mostly due to the reacceleration of preexisting cosmic rays (CRs) by radiative shocks in the adjacent clouds. Furthermore, the observational data allow us to constrain the total kinetic energy transferred to the trapped CRs in the clouds. Based on these facts, we infer a composite nature for CTB 37A to explain the broadband spectrum and to elucidate the nature of the observed γ-ray emission.

X-Ray Monitoring of the Magnetar CXOU J171405.7–381031 in Supernova Remnant CTB 37B

Abstract We present the results of our 8 yr X-ray monitoring campaign on CXOU J171405.7−381031, the magnetar associated with the faint supernova remnant (SNR) CTB 37B. It is among the youngest by inferred spin-down age, and most energetic in spin-down power of magnetars, and may contribute, at least partially, to the GeV and TeV emission coincident with the SNR. We use a series of Chandra, XMM-Newton, and NuSTAR observations to characterize the timing and spectral properties of the magnetar. The spin-down rate of the pulsar almost doubled in <1 yr and then decreased slowly to a more stable value. Its X-ray flux varied by ≈50%, possibly correlated with the spin-down rate. The 1–79 keV spectrum is well-characterized by an absorbed blackbody plus power-law model with an average temperature of kT = 0.62 ± 0.04 keV and photon index Γ = 0.92 ± 0.16, or by a Comptonized blackbody with kT = 0.55 ± 0.04 keV and an additional hard power law with Γ = 0.70 ± 0.20. In contrast with most magnetars, the pulsed signal is found to decrease with energy up to 6 keV, which is apparently caused by mixing with the hard spectral component that is pulse-phase shifted by ≈0.43 cycles from the soft X-rays. We also analyze the spectrum of the nearby, diffuse nonthermal source XMMU J171410.8−381442, whose relation to the SNR is uncertain.

XMM-Newton spectrum of the magnetar CXOU J171405.7–381031

Abstract We observe the magnetar CXOU J171405.7−381031 with XMM-Newton and obtain the most reliable X-ray spectral parameters for this magnetar. After removing the flux from the surrounding supernova remnant CTB 37B, the radiation of CXOU J171405.7−381031 is best described by a two-component model, consisting of a blackbody and power law. We obtain a blackbody temperature of $0.58^{+0.03}_{-0.03}$ keV, a photon index of $2.15^{+0.62}_{-0.68}$, and an unabsorbed 2–10 keV band flux of $2.33^{+0.02}_{-0.02} \times 10^{-12}$ erg cm−2 s−1. These new parameters enable us to compare CXOU J171405.7−381031 with other magnetars, and it is found that the luminosity, temperature, and photon index of CXOU J171405.7−381031 are aligned with the known trend among the magnetar population with a slightly higher temperature, which could be caused by its young age. All magnetars with a spin-down age of less than 1000 yr show time variation or bursts except for CXOU J171405.7−381031. We explore the time variability for six observations between 2006 and 2015, but there is no variation larger than ∼10%.

X-ray and radio studies of SNR CTB 37B hosting the magnetar CXOU J171405.7−381031

ABSTRACT We present a Chandra and XMM–Newton study of the supernova remnant (SNR) CTB 37B, along with archival radio observations. In radio wavelengths, the SNR CTB 37B is an incomplete shell showing bright emission from the eastern side, while the X-ray morphology shows diffuse emission from regions surrounding the magnetar CXOU J171405.7–381031. We used archival H i absorption measurements to constrain the distance to the remnant and obtain D = 9.8 ± 1.5 kpc. The X-ray spectrum of the remnant is described by a thermal model in the 1–5 keV energy range, with a temperature of kT = 1.3 ± 0.1 keV. The abundances from the spectral fits are consistent with being solar or sub-solar. A small region of diffuse emission is seen to the southern side of the remnant, best fitted by a non-thermal spectrum with an unusually hard photon index of Γ = 1.3 ± 0.3. Assuming a distance of 9.8 kpc to the SNR, we infer a shock velocity of Vs = 915 ± 70 km s−1 and an explosion energy of E = (1.8 ± 0.6) × 1050 erg. The overall imaging and spectral properties of CTB 37B favour the interpretation of a young SNR (≲6200 yr old), propagating in a low-density medium under the assumption of a Sedov evolutionary phase.

The Tail of PSR J0002+6216 and the Supernova Remnant CTB 1

Abstract We have carried out Very Large Array imaging and a Fermi timing analysis of the 115 ms γ-ray and radio pulsar PSR J0002+6216. We found that the pulsar lies at the apex of a narrowly collimated cometary-like 7′ tail of nonthermal radio emission, which we identify as a bow-shock pulsar wind nebula. The tail of the nebula points back toward the geometric center of the supernova remnant CTB 1 (G116.9+0.2) 28′ away, at a position angle θ μ = 113°. We measure a proper motion with 2.9σ significance from a Fermi timing analysis giving μ = 115 ± 33 mas yr−1 and θ μ = 121° ± 13°, corresponding to a large transverse pulsar velocity of 1100 km s−1 at a distance of 2 kpc. This proper motion is of the right magnitude and direction to support the claim that PSR J0002+6216 was born from the same supernova that produced CTB 1. We explore the implications for pulsar birth periods, asymmetric supernova explosions, and mechanisms for pulsar natal kick velocities.

Suzaku X-ray observations of the mixed-morphology supernova remnant CTB 1

Abstract We present an X-ray study of the mixed-morphology supernova remnant CTB 1 (G116.9+0.2) observed with Suzaku. The 0.6–2.0 keV spectra in the northeastern breakout region of CTB 1 are well represented by a collisional ionization-equilibrium plasma model with an electron temperature of ∼0.3 keV, whereas those in the southwestern inner-shell region can be reproduced by a recombining plasma model with an electron temperature of ∼0.2 keV, an initial ionization temperature of ∼3 keV, and an ionization parameter of ∼9 × 1011 cm−3 s. This is the first detection of the recombining plasma in CTB 1. The electron temperature in the inner-shell region decreases outwards, which implies that the recombining plasma is likely formed by the thermal conduction via interaction with the surrounding cold interstellar medium. The Ne abundance is almost uniform in the observed regions whereas Fe is more abundant toward the southwest of the remnant, suggesting an asymmetric ejecta distribution. We also detect a hard tail above the 2-keV band that is fitted with a power-law function with a photon index of 2–3. The flux of the hard tail in the 2–10 keV band is ∼5 × 10−13 erg cm−2 s−1 and peaks at the center of CTB 1. Its origin is unclear but one possibility is a putative pulsar wind nebula associated with CTB 1.

An Investigation of the Interstellar Environment of Supernova Remnant CTB87

Abstract We present a new millimeter CO-line observation toward supernova remnant (SNR) CTB 87, which was regarded purely as a pulsar wind nebula (PWN), and an optical investigation of a coincident surrounding superbubble. The CO observation shows that the SNR delineated by the radio emission is projectively covered by a molecular cloud (MC) complex at to . Both the symmetric axis of the radio emission and the trailing X-ray PWN appear projectively to be along a gap between two molecular gas patches at −58 to . Asymmetric broad profiles of 12CO lines peaked at are found at the eastern and southwestern edges of the radio emission. This represents a kinematic signature consistent with an SNR–MC interaction. We also find that a superbubble, ∼37′ in radius, appears to surround the SNR from H i 21 cm ( to ), WISE mid-IR, and optical extinction data. We build a multi-band photometric stellar sample of stars within the superbubble region and find 82 OB star candidates. The likely peak distance in the stars’ distribution seems consistent with the distance previously suggested for CTB 87. We suggest the arc-like radio emission is mainly a relic of the part of the blast wave that propagates into the MC complex and is now in a radiative stage while the other part of the blast wave has been expanding into the low-density region in the superbubble. This scenario naturally explains the lack of X-ray emission related to the ejecta and blast wave. The SNR–MC interaction also favors a hadronic contribution to the γ-ray emission from the CTB 87 region.

X-ray counterpart candidates for six new γ-ray pulsars

Using archival X-ray data we have found point-like X-ray counterpart candidates positionally coincident with six $\gamma$-ray pulsars discovered recently in the Fermi Gamma-ray Space Telescope data by the Einstein@Home project. The candidates for PSRs J0002$+$6216, J0554$+$3107, J1844$-$0346 and J1105$-$6037 are detected with Swift, and those for PSRs J0359$+$5414 and J2017$+$3625 are detected with Chandra. Despite a low count statistics for some candidates, assuming plausible constraints on the absorbing column density towards the pulsars, we show that X-ray spectral properties for all of them are consistent with those observed for other pulsars. J0359$+$5414 is the most reliably identified object. We detect a nebula around it, whose spectrum and extent suggest that this is a pulsar wind nebula powered by the pulsar. Associations of J0002$+$6216 and J1844$-$0346 with supernova remnants CTB 1 and G28.6$-$0.1 are proposed.

Confirming the nature of the knot near the pulsar B1951+32

The energetic and fast-moving radio and γ-ray pulsar B1951+32 is associated with the supernova remnant CTB 80. It powers a complex pulsar wind nebula detected in the radio, Hα and X-rays (Moon et al 2004 ApJ 610 L33). A puzzling optical knot was detected about 0″.5 from the pulsar in the optical and near-IR (Moon et al 2004 ApJ 610 L33; Hester 2000 Bulletin of the AAS 32 1542). It is reminiscent of the unique “inner optical knot” located 0″.6 from the Crab pulsar. Until now there has been no evidence that B1951+32 knot is indeed associated with the pulsar.We observed the pulsar field with the Gemini-North telescope in 2016 to check the association. We performed first near-IR high spatial resolution imaging in the Ks band using the NIRI+Altair instrument and deep optical imaging in the gr bands using the GMOS instrument. Our observations showed that the current knot position is shifted by ≈ 0″.6 from the position measured with the HST in 1997. This is consistent with the known pulsar proper motion and is direct evidence of the pulsar–knot connection. We compared the spectral energy distribution of the knot emission with that of the Crab knot. Possible implications of the results are discussed.

Study of the progenitor of the magnetar 1E 2259+586 through Suzaku observations of the associated supernova remnant CTB 109

Abstract We present a study of the progenitor of the magnetar 1E 2259+586, from Suzaku observations of the associated supernova remnant CTB 109. The Suzaku spectra, either spatially integrated or spatially resolved, were successfully described by a two-component plasma model, which reconfirms a previous Chandra result on the northwestern part of this remnant (Sasaki et al. 2013, A&A, 552, A45). The hotter component, with a temperature of ∼0.7 keV, can be identified as the stellar ejecta heated by reverse shock, because its contribution increases towards the remnant center. The cooler one, with a temperature of ∼0.25 keV, can be identified as the shocked interstellar matter. The abundances of Ne, Mg, Si, and S of the hotter component support these identifications. The total masses of the cooler and hotter components are estimated to be 220 ± 40 M⊙ and 42 ± 11 M⊙, respectively. The remnant is considered to be adiabatically expanding as in the Sedov–Taylor phase. The explosion energy, estimated to be 1.0 × 1051 erg by a canonical Sedov model, is typical of a core-collapse supernova explosion. Assuming that the hotter component includes the ejecta as well as the matter lost by the progenitor star via stellar winds, 1E 2259+586 is inferred to have originated from a very massive star.

Kinematics of SNRs CTB 109 and G206.9+2.3

AbstractWe present results of optical observations in the lines of Hα and [SII] (λ 6717 and 6731 Å) obtained with the UNAM Scanning Fabry-Perot Interferometer PUMA (Rosado et al. 1995,RMxAASC, 3, 263 ) aimed at obtaining the kinematical distance, shock velocity and other important parameters of two supernova remnants (SNRs) with optical counterparts. We discuss on how kinematical distances thus obtained fit with other distance determinations. The studied SNRs are CTB 109 (SNR G109.1 − 1.0) hosting a magnetar (Sánchez-Cruces et al. 2017, in preparation) and the SNR G206.9 + 2.3 (Ambrocio-Cruz et al. 2014,RMxAA, 50, 323), a typical supernova remnant, to have a comparison. In Fig. 1 is depicted the [SII] line emission of two filaments of the optical counterpart of SNR CTB 109. We find complex radial velocity profiles obtained with the Fabry-Perot interferometer, revealing the presence of different velocity components. From these velocity profiles we obtain the kinematical distance, an expansion velocity of 188 km/s and an initial energy of 8.1 x 1050 ergs. These values are rather typical of other SNRs regardless that SNR CTB 109 hosts a magnetar. Thus, the mechanical energy delivered in the supernova explosion forming the magnetar does not seem to impact more than other SNe explosions the interstellar medium. This work has been funded by grants IN103116 and 253085 from DGAPA-UNAM and CONACYT, respectively.