Wind-Swept Clouds and Possible Triggered Star-Formation associated with the Supernova Remnant G357.7+0.3

TL;DR

This study provides evidence of interaction between supernova remnant G357.7+0.3 and nearby molecular clouds, revealing wind-swept structures and potential triggered star formation, especially involving a YSO and a Mira star in infrared observations.

Contribution

It is the first to identify MIR features indicating SNR-cloud interaction and possible star formation triggered by the supernova remnant.

Findings

Detection of wind-swept structures in MIR images.

Identification of a YSO within the bright rim of a cloud.

Possible interaction between Mira V1139 Sco and the SNR.

Abstract

We present evidence for interaction between the supernova remnant (SNR) G357.7+0.3 and nearby molecular clouds, leading to the formation of wind-swept structures and bright emission rims. These features are not observed at visual wavelengths, but are clearly visible in mid-infrared (MIR) mapping undertaken using the Spitzer Space Telescope (SST). Analysis of one of these clouds, the bright cometary structure G357.46+0.60, suggests that it contains strong polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) emission features in the 5.8 and 8.0 microns photometric bands, and that these are highly variable over relatively small spatial scales. This source also appears to contain a YSO within the bright rim structure, with a steeply rising spectrum between 1.25 and 24 microns. Finally, it is noted that a further, conical emission region appears to be associated with the Mira V1139 Sco, and it is suggested that this may represent the case of a Mira outflow interacting with a SNR.