An XMM-Newton Study of the Bright, Nearby Supernova Remnant G296.1-0.5

TL;DR

This study uses XMM-Newton observations to analyze the supernova remnant G296.1-0.5, revealing its plasma characteristics, progenitor type, and the nature of a transient X-ray source, contributing to understanding supernova remnants and stellar evolution.

Contribution

First detailed spatial and spectral analysis of G296.1-0.5 using XMM-Newton data, identifying plasma properties and progenitor clues, and characterizing a transient X-ray source.

Findings

Spectral characteristics consistent across bright regions, best described by nonequilibrium ionization plasma.

Shell emission shows nitrogen excess and oxygen underabundance, typical of RSG and WR wind material.

Detection of a transient X-ray source likely caused by stellar flare.

Abstract

We present a detailed study of the supernova remnant G296.1-0.5, performed using observations with the EPIC and RGS instruments of the XMM-Newton satellite. G296.1-0.5 is a bright remnant that displays an incomplete multiple-shell morphology in both its radio and X-ray images. We use a set of observations towards G296.1-0.5, from three distinct pointings of EPIC, in order to perform a thorough spatial and spectral analysis of this remnant, and hence determine what type of progenitor gave rise to the supernova explosion, and describe the evolutionary state of the SNR. Our XMM-Newton observations establish that the spectral characteristics are consistent across the X-ray bright regions of the object, and are best described by a model of the emission from a nonequilibrium ionization collisional plasma. The study reveals that the emission from the shell is characterized by an excess of N and an underabundance of O, which is typical of wind material from red supergiant (RSG) and Wolf-Rayet (WR) stars. Additionally, we have detected transient X-ray source 2XMMi J115004.8-622442 at the edge of the SNR whose properties suggest that it is the result of stellar flare, and we discuss its nature in more detail.