A new SNR with TeV shell-type morphology: HESS J1731-347
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(Published Version)
Date
2011
Authors
Maxted, N.
Nicholas, B.
Rowell, G.
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Astronomy and Astrophysics: a European journal, 2011; 531:A81-1-A81-9
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HESS Collaboration, A. Abramowski ... M. Maxted ... B. Nicholas ... G. Rowell ... et al.
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Abstract
Aims: The recent discovery of the radio shell-type supernova remnant (SNR), G353.6-0.7, in spatial coincidence with the unidentified TeV source HESS J1731−347 has motivated further observations of the source with the High Energy Stereoscopic System (HESS) Cherenkov telescope array to test a possible association of the γ-ray emission with the SNR. Methods: With a total of 59 h of observation, representing about four times the initial exposure available in the discovery paper of HESS J1731−347, the γ-ray morphology is investigated and compared with the radio morphology. An estimate of the distance is derived by comparing the interstellar absorption derived from X-rays and the one obtained from 12CO and HI observations. Results: The deeper γ-ray observation of the source has revealed a large shell-type structure with similar position and extension (r ~ 0.25°) as the radio SNR, thus confirming their association. By accounting for the HESS angular resolution and projection effects within a simple shell model, the radial profile is compatible with a thin, spatially unresolved, rim. Together with RX J1713.7−3946, RX J0852.0−4622 and SN 1006, HESS J1731−347 is now the fourth SNR with a significant shell morphology at TeV energies. The derived lower limit on the distance of the SNR of 3.2 kpc is used together with radio and X-ray data to discuss the possible origin of the γ-ray emission, either via inverse Compton scattering of electrons or the decay of neutral pions resulting from proton-proton interaction.
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© ESO 2011