The radio remnant of Supernova 1987A at high frequencies and high resolution

Giovanna Zanardo, Lister Staveley-Smith, N. Chi Yung, B.M. Gaensler, Toby Potter, R.N. Manchester, A.K. Tzioumis

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Conference paperConference paperpeer-review

    Abstract

    As the remnant of Supernova (SN) 1987A has been getting brighter over time, new observations at high frequencies have allowed imaging of the radio emission at unprecedented detail. We present a new radio image at 44 GHz of the supernova remnant (SNR), derived from observations performed with the Australia Telescope Compact Array (ATCA) in 2011. The diffraction-limited image has a resolution of 349×225 mas, which is the highest achieved to date in high-dynamic range images of the SNR. We also present a new image at 18 GHz, also derived from ATCA observations performed in 2011, which is super-resolved to 0″.25. The new 44 and 18 GHz images yield the first high-resolution spectral index map of the remnant. The comparison of the 44 GHz image with contemporaneous X-ray and Hα observations allows further investigations of the nature of the remnant asymmetry and sheds more light into the progenitor hypotheses and SN explosion. In light of simple free-free absorption models, we discuss the likelihood of detecting at 44 GHz the possible emission originating from a pulsar wind nebula (PWN) or a compact source in the centre of the remnant. © International Astronomical Union 2014.
    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationProceedings of the International Astronomical Union
    PublisherCambridge University Press
    Pages23-26
    Volume9
    ISBN (Print)17439213
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2014
    EventThe radio remnant of Supernova 1987A at high frequencies and high resolution - Calcutta, India
    Duration: 1 Jan 2014 → …

    Conference

    ConferenceThe radio remnant of Supernova 1987A at high frequencies and high resolution
    Period1/01/14 → …

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