The Trouble with the Local Bubble

TL;DR

This paper critically examines the traditional hot Local Bubble model, presents conflicting observations, and proposes two alternative models—one with cooler plasma and lower pressure, and another as an old supernova remnant filled with cooler, partially ionized gas.

Contribution

It introduces two new speculative models for the local interstellar medium that challenge the conventional hot Local Bubble paradigm.

Findings

Solar wind charge exchange affects soft X-ray background interpretation.

Traditional hot Local Bubble model conflicts with recent observations.

Proposes alternative models with cooler plasma and supernova remnant characteristics.

Abstract

The model of a Local Hot Bubble has been widely accepted as providing a framework that can explain the ubiquitous presence of the soft X-ray background diffuse emission. We summarize the current knowledge on this local interstellar region, paying particular reference to observations that sample emission from the presumed local million degree K hot plasma. However, we have listed numerous observations that are seemingly in conflict with the concept of a hot Local Bubble. In particular, the discovery of solar wind charge exchange that can generate an appreciable soft X-ray background signal within the heliosphere, has led to a reassessment of the generally accepted model that requires a hot local plasma. In order to explain the majority of observations of the local plasma, we forward two new speculative models that describe the physical state of the local interstellar gas. One possible scenario is similar to the present widely accepted model of the Local Hot Bubble, except that it accounts for only 50% of the soft X-ray emission currently detected in the galactic plane, has a lower thermal pressure than previously thought, and its hot plasma is not as hot as previously believed. Although such a model can solve several difficulties with the traditional hot Local Bubble model, a heating mechanism for the dimmer and cooler gas remains to be found. The second possible explanation is that of the Hot Top model, in which the Local Cavity is an old supernova remnant in which no (or very little) million degree local plasma is presently required. Instead, the cavity is now thought to be filled with partially ionized cloudlets of temperature 7000 K that are surrounded by lower density envelopes of photoionized gas of temperature 20,000 K.