New evidence for strong nonthermal effects in Tycho’s supernova remnant

For the case of Tycho’s supernova remnant (SNR) we present the relation between the blast wave and contact discontinuity radii calculated within the nonlinear kinetic theory of cosmic ray (CR) acceleration in SNRs. It is demonstrated that these radii are confirmed by recently published Chandra measurements which show that the observed contact discontinuity radius is so close to the shock radius that it can only be explained by efficient CR acceleration which in turn makes the medium more compressible. Together with the recently determined new value E _sn=1.2×10⁵¹ erg of the SN explosion energy this also confirms our previous conclusion that a TeV γ-ray flux of (2–5)×10⁻¹³ erg/(cm² s) is to be expected from Tycho’s SNR. Chandra measurements and the HEGRA upper limit of the TeV γ-ray flux together limit the source distance d to 3.3≤d≤4 kpc.     

Gamma-ray emission expected from Kepler’s SNR

Nonlinear kinetic theory of cosmic ray (CR) acceleration in supernova remnants (SNRs) is used to investigate the properties of Kepler’s SNR and, in particular, to predict the γ-eay spectrum expected from this SNR. Observations of the nonthermal radio and X-ray emission spectra as well as theoretical constraints for the total supernova (SN) explosion energy E _sn are used to constrain the astronomical and particle acceleration parameters of the system. Under the assumption that Kepler’s SN is a type Ia SN we determine for any given explosion energy E _sn and source distance d the mass density of the ambient interstellar medium (ISM) from a fit to the observed SNR size and expansion speed. This makes it possible to make predictions for the expected γ-eay flux. Exploring the expected distance range we find that for a typical explosion energy E _sn=10⁵¹ erg the expected energy flux of TeV γ-rays varies from 2×10⁻¹¹ to 10⁻¹³ erg/(cm² s) when the distance changes from d=3.4 kpc to 7 kpc. In all cases the γ-eay emission is dominated by π ⁰-decay γ-rays due to nuclear CRs. Therefore Kepler’s SNR represents a very promising target for instruments like H.E.S.S., CANGAROO and GLAST. A non-detection of γ-rays would mean that the actual source distance is larger than 7 kpc.     

On gamma radiation from the magellanic clouds and galactic supernova remnants — Possible antiproton sources in the galaxy

Radiation from the Magellanic Clouds is discussed from the point of view of near future possibilities in observational γ-ray astronomy. The γ-ray fluxes expected according to the metagalactic and galactic theories of the origin of cosmic rays are compared. It is shown that the strongest test of the metagalactic hypothesis will be provided by a determination of the ratio of γ-ray fluxes from SMC and LMC. The γ-ray luminosity of a typical young supernova remnant that can generate sufficient antiprotons is estimated. It is shown that such remnants must have a short phase during which they are very powerful γ-ray emitters.     

The Cherenkov Telescope Array potential for the study of young supernova remnants

Supernova remnants (SNRs) are among the most important targets for γ-ray observatories. Being prominent non-thermal sources, they are very likely responsible for the acceleration of the bulk of Galactic cosmic rays (CRs). To firmly establish the SNR paradigm for the origin of cosmic rays, it should be confirmed that protons are indeed accelerated in, and released from, SNRs with the appropriate flux and spectrum. This can be done by detailed theoretical models which account for microphysics of acceleration and various radiation processes of hadrons and leptons. The current generation of Cherenkov telescopes has insufficient sensitivity to constrain theoretical models. A new facility, the Cherenkov Telescope Array (CTA), will have superior capabilities and may finally resolve this long standing issue of high-energy astrophysics. We want to assess the capabilities of CTA to reveal the physics of various types of SNRs in the initial 2000 years of their evolution. During this time, the efficiency to accelerate cosmic rays is highest. We perform time-dependent simulations of the hydrodynamics, the magnetic fields, the cosmic-ray acceleration, and the non-thermal emission for type Ia, Ic and IIP SNRs. We calculate the CTA response to the γ-ray emission from these SNRs for various ages and distances, and we perform a realistic analysis of the simulated data. We derive distance limits for the detectability and resolvability of these SNR types at several ages. We test the ability of CTA to reconstruct their morphological and spectral parameters as a function of their distance. Finally, we estimate how well CTA data will constrain the theoretical models.     

On origin of ultra high energy cosmic rays

Propagation of UHE protons through CMB radiation leaves the imprint on energy spectrum in the form of Greisen–Zatsepin–Kuzmin (GZK) cutoff, bump (pile-up protons) and dip. The dip is a feature in energy range 1×10¹⁸–4×10¹⁹ eV, caused by electron-positron pair production on CMB photons. Calculated for power-law generation spectrum with index γ _g =2.7, the shape of the dip is confirmed with high accuracy by data of Akeno—AGASA, HiRes, Yakutsk and Fly’s Eye detectors. The predicted shape of the dip is robust: it is valid for the rectilinear and diffusive propagation, for different discretenesses in the source distribution, for local source overdensity and deficit etc. This property of the dip allows us to use it for energy calibration of the detectors. The energy shift λ for each detector is determined by minimum χ ² in comparison of observed and calculated dip. After this energy calibration the absolute fluxes, measured by AGASA, HiRes and Yakutsk detectors remarkably coincide in energy region 1×10¹⁸–1×10²⁰ eV. Below the characteristic energy E _c ≈1×10¹⁸ eV the spectrum of the dip flattens for both diffusive and rectilinear propagation, and more steep galactic spectrum becomes dominant at E<E _c . The energy of transition E _tr<E _c approximately coincides with the position of the second knee E _2kn , observed in the cosmic ray spectrum. The dip-induced transition from galactic to extragalactic cosmic rays at the second knee is compared with traditional model of transition at ankle, the feature observed at energy ∼1×10¹⁹ eV.      

A multiwavelength study of the supernova remnant G296.8-0.3

We report XMM-Newton observations of the Galactic supernova remnant G296.8-0.3, together with complementary radio and infrared data. The spatial and spectral properties of the X-ray emission, detected towards G296.8-0.3, was investigated in order to explore the possible evolutionary scenarios and the physical connexion with its unusual morphology detected at radio frequencies. G296.8-0.3 displays diffuse X-ray emission correlated with the peculiar radio morphology detected in the interior of the remnant and with the shell-like radio structure observed to the northwest side of the object. The X-ray emission peaks in the soft/medium energy range (0.5–3.0 keV). The X-ray spectral analysis confirms that the column density is high (N _H∼0.64×10²² cm⁻²) which supports a distant location (d>9 kpc) for the SNR. Its X-ray spectrum can be well represented by a thermal (PSHOCK) model, with kT∼0.86 keV, an ionization timescale of 6.1×10¹⁰ cm⁻³ s, and low abundance (∼0.12 Z _⊙). The 24 μm observations show shell-like emission correlated with part of the northwest and southeast boundaries of the SNR. In addition a point-like X-ray source is also detected close to the geometrical center of the radio SNR. The object presents some characteristics of the so-called compact central objects (CCO). Its X-ray spectrum is consistent with those found at other CCOs and the value of N _H is consistent with that of G296.8-0.3, which suggests a physical connexion with the SNR.     

Gamma-ray burst investigation via polarimetry and spectroscopy (GRIPS)

The primary scientific goal of the GRIPS mission is to revolutionize our understanding of the early universe using γ-ray bursts. We propose a new generation gamma-ray observatory capable of unprecedented spectroscopy over a wide range of γ-ray energies (200 keV–50 MeV) and of polarimetry (200–1000 keV). The γ-ray sensitivity to nuclear absorption features enables the measurement of column densities as high as 10²⁸cm^− 2. Secondary goals achievable by this mission include direct measurements of all types of supernova interiors through γ-rays from radioactive decays, nuclear astrophysics with massive stars and novae, and studies of particle acceleration near compact stars, interstellar shocks, and clusters of galaxies. See for the authors’ affiliations.     

Optical imaging and spectroscopic observation of the galactic supernova remnant G85.9-0.6

Optical CCD imaging with Hα and [SII] filters and spectroscopic observations of the galactic supernova remnant G85.9-0.6 have been performed for the first time. The CCD image data are taken with the 1.5 m Russian-Turkish Telescope (RTT150) at TüBİTAK National Observatory (TUG) and spectral data are taken with the Bok 2.3 m telescope on Kitt Peak, AZ. The images are taken with narrow-band interference filters Hα, [SII] and their continuum. [SII]/Hα ratio image is performed. The ratio obtained from [SII]/Hα is found to be ∼0.42, indicating that the remnant interacts with HII regions. G85.9-0.6 shows diffuse-shell morphology. [SII]λ λ6716/6731 average flux ratio is calculated from the spectra, and the electron density N _e is obtained to be 395 cm⁻³. From [OIII]/Hβ ratio, shock velocity has been estimated, pre-shock density of n _c =14 cm⁻³, explosion energy of E=9.2×10⁵⁰ ergs, interstellar extinction of E(B−V)=0.28, and neutral hydrogen column density of N(HI)=1.53×10²¹ cm⁻² are reported.     

An analysis of the longitudinal distribution of gamma rays from SAS-II data

An analysis of the longitudinal distribution of gamma rays from SAS-II data has been carried out using the available information on the gas distribution in the Galaxy. The overall distribution of cosmic rays in the galactic plane can be represented by an exponential function in galactocentric distance with a scale length of 8 kpc upto the solar circle and 10 kpc beyond. There is no evidence for a large gradient of the cosmic ray intensity in the outer parts of the Galaxy. The local emissivities of gamma rays in the energy regionsE >100 MeV and 35 MeV<E <100 MeV are (1.73±0.27)×10^–25 photon/(cm³ s n_H) and (2.40±0.41)×10^–25 photon/(cm³ s n_H) respectively. The contribution of °-decay gamma rays is 80% forE >100 MeV and 20% at lower energies. The electron spectrum required by this analysis has a power law spectral index of about –2.7 below a few hundred MeV. The observed gas distribution towards the galactic centre would predict a gamma-ray flux larger than observed. It is suggested that the molecular gas in the central region may be in the form of dense coudlets, in which low evergy cosmic rays do not penetrate; in this case the centre should be seen as a strong source only at high energies. An analysis of the radio sky survey map of the Galaxy at 408 MHz shows thatB varies with a scale-length of 40 kpc; no significance can be attached to the apparent deviation from the equipartition of energy densities between cosmic rays and magnetic field. The derived local emissivity is (1.46±0.28)×10^–40 W/((m³ Hz), which corresponds toB 5 G. The surface brightness of radio and gamma-ray emissions in the Galaxy decreases from the centre with scale-lengths 6 kpc and 7 kpc respectively. No positive correlation can be noticed with either co-rotation radius or pattern speed, when compared with external spiral galaxies.     

Atmospheric gamma-ray spectrum between 10 and 100 MeV

An experiment made with a baloon-borne large volume (16×16×24 cm³) omnidirectional plastic scintillator sensitive to high-energy -radiation is described. Two flights were carried out on 25 November, 1973 and 24 February, 1978 at high geomagnetic cut-off rigidities. For an omnidirectional detector and for energies greater than several MeV, most of the detected photons are secondary -rays produced through interactions of the charged cosmic rays with the atmosphere. To unfold the observed pulse height spectrum and obtain the incident -ray spectrum, the detector response function is calculated numerically. By using this response function a differential flux dJ/dE=(0.33±0.1)E ^–1.2±0.2 photons cm^–2 s^–1 MeV^–1 averaged over all zenith angles, is estimated for the atmospheric -radiation, at 5 g cm^–2, in the 10–100 MeV energy range. This result is compared with other observations made with different types of detectors and at different geomagnetic latitudes.Members of the Carrera del Investigador Cientifico y Tecnológico del Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET) from Argentina.     

3EG J2020+4017, the γ-Cygni source—before GLAST

The Cygnus region of the Milky Way is prolific in star formation and presents extended diffuse γ-ray emission with a few γ-ray point sources. Among them is 3EG J2020+4017, the brightest of the unidentified EGRET sources, positionally coincident with the supernova remnant G78.2+2.1. Even though the EGRET and multi-wavelength data have not provided a conclusive identification for this γ-ray loud, but otherwise faint object, the evidence favors a pulsar like source. The EGRET photon data lack the signal-to-noise ratio required for a period search, but will serve as a valuable timing baseline extension in the case that GLAST confirms the pulsar nature of the γ-Cygni source. Work sponsored by CONACyT grant SEP-2003-C02-42611.     

RHESSI Observation of Atmospheric Gamma Rays from Impact of Solar Energetic Particles on 21 April 2002

The RHESSI high-resolution spectrometer detected γ-ray lines and continuum emitted by the Earth's atmosphere during impact of solar energetic particles in the south polar region from 16:00–17:00 UT on 21 April 2002. The particle intensity at the time of the observation was a factor of 10–100 weaker than previous events when gamma-rays were detected by other instruments. This is the first high-resolution observation of atmospheric gamma-ray lines produced by solar energetic particles. De-excitation lines were resolved that, in part, come from ¹⁴N at 728, 1635, 2313, 3890, and 5106 keV, and the ¹²C spallation product at ∼ 4439 keV. Other unresolved lines were also detected. We provide best-fit line energies and widths and compare these with moderate resolution measurements by SMM of lines from an SEP event and with high-resolution measurements made by HEAO 3 of lines excited by cosmic rays. We use line ratios to estimate the spectrum of solar energetic particles that impacted the atmosphere. The 21 April spectrum was significantly harder than that measured by SMM during the 20 October 1989 shock event; it is comparable to that measured by Yohkoh on 15 July 2000. This is consistent with measurements of 10–50 MeV protons made in space at the time of the γ-ray observations.     

Search for ultrahigh-energy cosmic gamma-ray bursts on the Baksan underground scintillation telescope

Based on data from the Baksan underground scintillation telescope (BUST) for the period 2001–2004, we searched for cosmic gamma-ray bursts (GRBs) at primary photon energies of 0.5 TeV or higher. We obtained constraints on the rate of bursts with durations of 1–10 s for fluences within the range 4.6 × 10⁻³-1.8 × 10⁻² erg cm⁻² in the declination band 30° ≤ δ ≤ 80°. We searched for ultrahigh-energy gamma rays from GRBs detected on spacecraft during and within ±2 h of the burst. No statistically significant excesses above the background of random coincidences were found. The derived constraints on the ultrahigh-energy gamma-ray fluence during GRBs lie within the range 4.6 × 10⁻³-3.7 × 10⁻² erg cm⁻².     

Be/X-ray binaries

The interest in X/γ-ray Astronomy has grown enormously in the last decades thanks to the ability to send X-ray space missions above the Earth’s atmosphere. There are more than half a million X-ray sources detected and over a hundred missions (past and currently operational) devoted to the study of cosmic X/γ rays. With the improved sensibilities of the currently active missions new detections occur almost on a daily basis. Among these, neutron-star X-ray binaries form an important group because they are among the brightest extra-solar objects in the sky and are characterized by dramatic variability in brightness on timescales ranging from milliseconds to months and years. Their main source of power is the gravitational energy released by matter accreted from a companion star and falling onto the neutron star in a relatively close binary system.     

Cosmic neutrinos of ultra-high energies and detection possibility

The fluxes and spectra of galactic and extragalactic neutrinos at energy 10¹¹–10¹⁹ eV are calculated. In particular, the neutrino flux from the normal galaxies is calculated taking into account the spectral index distribution. The only assumption that seriously affects the calculated neutrino flux atE _v 10¹⁷ eV is the power-like generation spectrum of protons in the entire considered energy region.The normal galaxies with the accepted parameters generate the metagalactic equivalent electron component (electrons+their radiation) with energy density _e8.5×10^–7 eV cm^–3, while the density of the observed diffuse X-ray radiation alone is 100 times higher. This requires the existence of other neutrino sources and we found the minimized neutrino flux under two limitations: (1) the power-law generation spectrum of protons and (2) production of the observed energy density of the diffuse X-an -radiation. These requirements are met in the evolutionary model of origin of the metagalactic cosmic rays with modern energy density _M83.6×10^–7 eV cm^–3.The possibility of experiments with cosmic neutrinos of energyE _v 3×10¹⁷ eV is discussed. The upper bound on neutrino-nucleon cross-section <2.2×10^–29 cm² is obtained in evolutionary model from the observed zenith angular distribution of extensive air showers.In Appendix 2 the diffuse X-and -ray flux arising together with neutrino flux is calculated. It agrees with observed flux in the entire energy range from 1 keV up to 100 MeV.     

A possible explanation of photon emission from supernova remnants by jitter radiation

We investigate a possibility that non-thermal X-ray emission in a supernova remnant(SNR) is produced by jitter radiation, which is the analogue of synchrotron radiation in small-scale random magnetic fields. We can fit the multi-wavelength data of SNRs RX J1713.7-3946 (G347.3-0.5) and RX J0852.0-4622 (G266.6-1.2) by constructing pure jitter and inverse Compton (IC) emission models. We find that the physical fit parameters of random magnetic fields take values of several tens of μG strength and of the order of ∼10⁷ cm correlation length. These properties of random magnetic fields in collisionless shock of SNRs are discussed.      

The Landau level-superfluid modified factor and the overal soft X/<Emphasis Type="Italic">γ</Emphasis>-ray efficiency coefficient of a magnetar

As soon as the energies of electrons near the Fermi surface exceed Q, the threshold energy of inverse β-decay, electron capture (EC) dominates inside a neutron star. The high-energy neutrons released by EC will destroy anisotropic ³ P ₂ neutron Cooper pairs in the degenerate superfluid. By colliding with the neutrons produced in the process n+(n↑n↓)→n+n+n, the kinetic energies of the neutrons released by EC will be transformed into thermal energy. A portion of this thermal energy will be transported from the star interior to the star surface by conduction, then converted to a thermal spectrum of soft X-rays and γ-rays. By introducing two important parameters: the Landau level-superfluid modified factor and the overal soft X/γ-ray efficiency coefficient, we compute the theoretical luminosity L _X of a magnetar under our model and plot a diagram of L _X as a function of magnetic field strength B. Numerical calculations based on our model agree well with the observed properties of magnetar candidates.     

SNR Surface Density Distribution in Nearby Galaxies

Since supernova remnants (SNRs) are believed to be the primary sources of Galactic cosmic rays (CRs), their distribution in galaxies is an important basis for modelling and understanding the distribution of the CRs and their γ-ray spectrum. We analysed the radial surface density of X-ray and radio selected SNRs in the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) and M 33. Both in X-rays and in radio, the surface densities of the SNRs are in excellent agreement in both galaxies, showing an exponential decay in radius. The results were compared to the SNR distribution in the spiral galaxies M 31 and NGC 6946 as well. The radial scale length of the distribution is $\frac{1} {4} $ ? $\frac{1} {3} $ of the radius of the galaxies, fully consistent with values derived for the Milky Way, the LMC, and M 33. Therefore, not only the radio SNRs, but also the X-ray detected SNR sample can be interpreted to be representative for the CR sources within a galaxy.     

Hard X-ray emission from the SNR G337.2+0.1

We report hard X-ray emission of the non-thermal supernova remnant G337.2+0.1. The source presents centrally filled and diffuse X-ray emission. A spectral study confirms that the column density of the central part of the object is about N _H∼5.9(±1.5)×10²² cm⁻² and its X-ray spectrum is well represented by a single power-law with a photon index Γ=0.96±0.56. Detailed spectral analysis indicates that the outer region is highly absorbed and quite softer than the inner region. Characteristics already observed in other well-known X-ray plerions. Based on the gathered information, we confirm the SNR nature of G337.2+0.1, and suggest that the central region of the source is a pulsar wind nebula (PWN), originated by an energetic though yet undetected pulsar.