The properties of the reverse shock in Cas A reveal properties of the progenitor. The paper: “Evidence for past interaction with an asymmetric circumstellar shell in the young SNR Cassiopeia A” of S. Orlando (INAF – OAPA) recently appeared on A&A

Supernova remnants (expanding clouds produced by the explosion of massive stars) are fascinating objects. Their study, in fact, can unveil the physical processes working during supernova explosions and even the properties of the stellar progenitors. To these aims, of particular importance is the analysis of the physical and chemical properties of the ejecta (which are the fragments of the dying

» Read more

A new diagnostic tool to identify metal-rich ejects in supernova remnants. The study: “Unveiling pure-metal ejecta X-ray emission in supernova remnants through their radiative recombination continuum” of E. Greco (UNIPA/INAF-OAPA/API) recently appeared on A&A

Supernova remnants are nebulae created by supernova explosions. These expanding clouds are formed by the interstellar medium shocked and heated up by the expanding shock produced by the explosion, and the knots of material launched by the exploding star, called ejecta. These ejecta are located behind the expanding shock, traveling with lower velocity, and they are heated up by the reverse shock:

» Read more