# AKARI Detection of the Infrared-Bright Supernova Remnant B0104-72.3 in the Small Magellanic Cloud

## TL;DR

This paper reports the first detection of an infrared-bright supernova remnant in the Small Magellanic Cloud using AKARI, revealing a shell structure likely from shocked molecular hydrogen, and demonstrating the utility of infrared observations in SNR studies.

## Contribution

It presents the first near/mid-infrared detection of an SNR shell in the Small Magellanic Cloud, showing AKARI's potential for studying SNR shocks.

## Key findings

- Infrared shell detected in all four IRC bands covering 2.6-15 um.
- Infrared emission likely from shocked H2 molecules with ionic line contributions.
- B0104-72.3 is a middle-aged SNR interacting with molecular clouds.

## Abstract

We present a serendipitous detection of the infrared-bright supernova remnant (SNR) B0104-72.3 in the Small Magellanic Cloud by the Infrared Camera (IRC) onboard AKARI. An elongated, partially complete shell is detected in all four observed IRC bands covering 2.6-15 um. The infrared shell surrounds radio, optical, and X-ray emission associated with the SNR and is probably a radiative SNR shell. This is the first detection of a SNR shell in this near/mid-infrared waveband in the Small Magellanic Cloud. The IRC color indicates that the infrared emission might be from shocked H2 molecules with some possible contributions from ionic lines. We conclude that B0104-72.3 is a middle-aged SNR interacting with molecular clouds, similar to the Galactic SNR IC 443. Our results highlight the potential of AKARI IRC observations in studying SNRs, especially for diagnosing SNR shocks.