Session S3: Probing Galactic Astrophysics with Supernova Remnants

3:30 PM–5:18 PM, Monday, February 15, 2010
Room: Thurgood Marshall South

Sponsoring Units: DAP GPAP
Chair: Patrick Slane, Harvard?Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics

Abstract ID: BAPS.2010.APR.S3.1

Abstract: S3.00001 : Observational Constraints on Cosmic Ray Acceleration in Supernova Remnants

3:30 PM–4:06 PM

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Author:

  John P. Hughes
    (Rutgers University)

Over the past few years, observations in the X-ray and gamma-ray bands, coupled with theoretical investigations, have led to important new insights into the process of particle acceleration at high speed shocks in supernova remnants. In this presentation I will review results largely from the X-ray band that reveal the presence of shock-accelerated relativistic electrons and amplified magnetic fields at these shock fronts. Evidence for shock-accelerated protons, although less direct, appears in the form of modifications to the dynamical evolution of young remnants, particularly SN1006 and the Tycho supernova remnant. As time permits, I will examine other observational topics bearing on the small-scale angular structure and temporal variations in the X-ray synchrotron emission, and particle acceleration at the reverse shocks of remnants.

To cite this abstract, use the following reference: http://meetings.aps.org/link/BAPS.2010.APR.S3.1