Identifying Elements in Supernova Remnants

Procedure

  1. Print out the four spectra of the Tycho supernova remnant.
  2. Use the X-ray line chart below to identify the elements that correspond to the various peaks of emission seen in the spectra. (You can write directly on the printed spectra).
  3. Answer the Think About questions.

Energies of Elemental Spectral Line Features

Element Energy (keV)
O
O
Ne
Ne
Mg
Mg
Si
Si
S
S
Ar
Ar
Ca
Ca
Fe
Fe
0.547
0.654
0.922
1.022
1.352
1.471
1.865
2.006
2.461
2.632
3.140
3.323
3.903
4.108
6.701
6.973

Think About

  • Using spectra, how does an astronomer determine the composition of a star or supernova remnant?
  • List some differences and similarities in the spectra from the four X-ray observatories (XMM-Newton, ASCA, Astro-E, and Constellation-X).
  • Estimate for each mission the errors made measuring the main characteristics of the spectral lines. Discuss the results.
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