| Description |
We propose PACs and SPIRE spectroscopy of three core-collapse supernova remnants (SNRs) in the Large and Small Magellanic Clouds (LMC, SMC): 1E0102-7219, N132D and N49. They are chosen to have a range of ages and degrees of interaction with nearby molecular clouds. We will use the spectroscopy to 1) constrain shock models, 2) judge the line contamination of broadband fluxes used to measure dust mass, 3) determine carbon and oxygen abundances and gas masses and 4) understand the CO ladder in cases where SNe shocks interact with molecular clouds. SNRs play a fundamental role in the evolution of galaxies: their ejecta drives the chemical evolution of the interstellar medium (ISM), and the energy liberated in their explosion drives the shock waves that generate bulk motions in the ISM, accelerate cosmic rays, regulate the star formation rate, and alters the size and properties of interstellar dust. In order to understand the life cycle of dust, which is the overarching science goal of the HERITAGE key program on the LMC and SMC, we must investigate SNR shocks in both the supernova ejecta and the ISM. SNRs radiate from radio to X-ray wavelengths, but far-infrared (FIR)/submm observations are crucial both because shock heated dust is visible in these bands and because the FIR lines in many cases dominate the cooling in SNRs. For the first time, Herschel provides the necessary sensitivity and spatial resolution to map LMC and SMC SNRs in several critical cooling lines in SNR shocks: O I 63um, C II 158 um and O III 88 um with PACS spectroscopy, and CO rotational lines with SPIRE/FTS. The atomic fine-structure transition lines in the FIR are important shock diagnostics particularly for the lower densities (virgul50-500 cm^{-3}). The submm molecular lines will provide critical information on the interaction of SNRs with neighboring molecular clouds. Comparison of our results with Herschel studies of Galactic SNRs will reveal potential dependencies of SNR evolution on metallicity of the ISM. |
