SNR surface density distribution in nearby galaxies

Sasaki M, Breitschwerdt D, Supper R (2004)

Publication Status: Published

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2004

Journal

Astrophysics and Space Science Springer Verlag (Germany)

Publisher: KLUWER ACADEMIC PUBL

Book Volume: 289

Pages Range: 283-286

Journal Issue: 3-4

Abstract

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 gamma-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 1/4 - 1/3 of the radius of the galaxies, fully consistent with values derived for the Milky Way, the LMC, and M33. 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.

Authors with CRIS profile

Manami Sasaki Professur für Multiwellenlängenastronomie

Involved external institutions

Technische Universität Berlin DE Germany (DE) Max-Planck-Institut für extraterrestrische Physik (MPE) / Max Planck Institute for Extraterrestrial Physics DE Germany (DE)

How to cite

APA:

Sasaki, M., Breitschwerdt, D., & Supper, R. (2004). SNR surface density distribution in nearby galaxies. Astrophysics and Space Science, 289(3-4), 283-286.

MLA:

Sasaki, Manami, Dieter Breitschwerdt, and Rodrigo Supper. "SNR surface density distribution in nearby galaxies." Astrophysics and Space Science 289.3-4 (2004): 283-286.

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