The Vela supernova remnant (SNR) displays remarkable features which appear to beejecta shrapnel visible beyond the main shell. One of these shrapnel (A) isdistinct from the others in that its X-ray spectrum exhibits a high Siabundance, while the other shrapnel which have been observed exhibit enhanced O,Ne, and Mg abundances. Two unexplored ejecta shrapnel (G and H) are located onthe opposite side of the remnant from fragment A, suggesting that the SNexplosion may have resulted in a jet-counterjet Si-rich structure, reminiscentof Cas A. We propose to observe these shrapnel for the first time to determineif they are also Si-rich like shrapnel A. We argue that, if this is the case,the Vela
Instrument
EMOS1, EMOS2, EPN, OM, RGS1, RGS2
Temporal Coverage
2010-11-19T18:13:16Z/2010-11-20T04:16:23Z
Version
17.56_20190403_1200
Mission Description
The European Space Agencys (ESA) X-ray Multi-Mirror Mission (XMM-Newton) was launched by an Ariane 504 on December 10th 1999. XMM-Newton is ESAs second cornerstone of the Horizon 2000 Science Programme. It carries 3 high throughput X-ray telescopes with an unprecedented effective area, and an optical monitor, the first flown on a X-ray observatory. The large collecting area and ability to make long uninterrupted exposures provide highly sensitive observations. Since Earths atmosphere blocks out all X-rays, only a telescope in space can detect and study celestial X-ray sources. The XMM-Newton mission is helping scientists to solve a number of cosmic mysteries, ranging from the enigmatic black holes to the origins of the Universe itself. Observing time on XMM-Newton is being made available to the scientific community, applying for observational periods on a competitive basis.
European Space Agency, Dr Fabrizio Bocchino, 2011, 'Asymmetric SN explosion in Vela SNR', 17.56_20190403_1200, European Space Agency, https://doi.org/10.5270/esa-iecd259
