X-ray detection of the monoceros supernova remnant

Abstract

The Monoceros nebula is seen in the optical and in radio as a 3°.5 degree diameter ring. It is believed to be an old supernova remnant. Here is reported the detection of X-rays from the Monoceros nebula, confirming its supernova remnant nature. Einstein imaging proportional counter observations of 0.2 to 5 keV X-rays were analyzed to produce a surface brightness map. Preliminary modeling of the Monoceros supernova remnant yields an age of 50 000 years. A large age is expected for such a large remnant. However, the remnant is found to still be in the adiabatic blast wave stage of evolution.