# SNR Surface Density Distribution in Nearby Galaxies

Authors: Sasaki, Manami; Breitschwerdt, Dieter; Supper, Rodrigo

Source: Astrophysics and Space Science, Volume 289, Numbers 3-4, February 2004 , pp. 283-286(4)

Publisher: Springer

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Abstract:

Since supernova remnants (SNRs) are believed to be the primary sources of Galactic cosmic rays (CRs), their distribution in galaxies is an important basis for modelling and understanding the distribution of the CRs and their -ray spectrum. We analysed the radial surface density of X-ray and radio selected SNRs in the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) and M 33. Both in X-rays and in radio, the surface densities of the SNRs are in excellent agreement in both galaxies, showing an exponential decay in radius. The results were compared to the SNR distribution in the spiral galaxies M 31 and NGC 6946 as well. The radial scale length of the distribution is $$\frac{1} {4}$$$$\frac{1} {3}$$ of the radius of the galaxies, fully consistent with values derived for the Milky Way, the LMC, and M 33. Therefore, not only the radio SNRs, but also the X-ray detected SNR sample can be interpreted to be representative for the CR sources within a galaxy.

Document Type: Research Article

Affiliations: Max-Planck-Institut für extraterrestrische Physik, Giessenbachstraße, Postfach 1312, 85741, Garching, Germany,

Publication date: February 1, 2004

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