Astronomers of Costa Rica and Australia reported the discovery of a new residue of supernova SNR G17.8 + 16.7 in the study of a gamma radiation source known as Fhes J1723.5-0501. The opening is described in the article arxiv.org.
Supernova residues are diffuse expanding structures that occur as a result of the outbreak of supernova. They consist of the material of the star itself and the interstellar substance undergoing shock waves. It is believed that the remnants of supernovae play an important role in the evolution of galaxies, spreading heavy elements in a space environment, and also create cosmic rays.
Fhes J1723.5-0501 is a source of gamma radiation, discovered outside the galactic plane using the NASA Fermi spacecraft. The researchers assumed that this object could be the residues of a supernovae or a planton – a nebula, fueled by the wind of the pulsar. The results of new observations showed that Fhes J1723.5 is indeed a supernova residue. It was possible to determine the presence of a shell located within the spread of the source of gamma radiation. Astronomers also showed that SNR G17.8 + 16.7 is located at a distance of 4500 to 11,400 light years from the Earth, and its age is about ten thousand years.