VLT observations of Compact Central Objects

TL;DR

This paper reports VLT observations of Central Compact Objects in supernova remnants, revealing potential counterparts and environmental features, with varying evidence of association across the studied objects.

Contribution

First VLT observational campaign providing optical and IR insights into CCOs in multiple supernova remnants, identifying possible counterparts and environmental characteristics.

Findings

Vela Jr. CCO embedded in a nebulosity with a candidate IR counterpart.

No IR modulation or variability detected for RCW 103 CCO.

Possible IR counterparts identified for G347.3-0.5, but none confirmed as associated.

Abstract

We present the first results of our VLT observation campaign of the Central Compact Objects (CCOs) in SNRs RX J085201.4-461753 (Vela Jr), 1E 1648-5051 (RCW 103) and RX J171328.4-394955 (G347.3-0.5). For Vela Jr., we found that the source is embedded in a compact optical nebulosity, possibly a bow-shock or a photo-ionization nebula, and we identified a candidate IR counterpart to the CCO. For RCW 103, we found no convincing evidence neither for 6 hrs IR modulation nor for variability on any time scale from the proposed counterpart, as well as for the other candidates close to the revised Chandra position. For G347.3-0.5, we identified few possible IR counterparts but none of them is apparently associated with the CCO.