Using Polarised HI Absorption to Estimate Distances to Supernova Remnants
Date
2021-08-20
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Abstract
Supernova remnants are the aftermath of the explosions of stars. In the study of Galactic supernova remnants, distance measurements are a vital supplement to astronomical observations. While in general, the angular extent and surface brightness of a supernova remnant are readily observed, knowledge of its size, kinematics, energy, age, and evolution can only be inferred through distance measurements. Unfortunately, distance measurements to SNRs are remarkably tricky. This thesis demonstrates the application of a new technique, which uses the absorption of the polarised radio emissions from supernova remnants by neutral atomic hydrogen to determine kinematic distances. An absorption spectrum towards the supernova remnant DA 530 was observed with the Synthesis Telescope at the Dominion Radio Astrophysical Observatory, and a new distance to DA 530 is revealed.
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Keywords
Radio astronomy, supernova remnants, Interstellar medium
Citation
Booth, R. (2021). Using Polarised HI Absorption to Estimate Distances to Supernova Remnants (Master's thesis, University of Calgary, Calgary, Canada). Retrieved from https://prism.ucalgary.ca.