On identifying the neutron star that was born in the supernova that placed 60Fe onto the Earth

TL;DR

This paper discusses methods to identify the neutron star born in the supernova that deposited 60Fe on Earth, aiming to constrain supernova models and progenitor characteristics.

Contribution

It introduces a kinematic approach to trace back neutron stars' origins to identify the supernova event responsible for 60Fe deposition.

Findings

Neutron star trajectories can be reconstructed using proper motions and distances.

Identifying the neutron star's origin constrains supernova distance and progenitor mass.

This method links astrophysical observations to Earth's geological evidence.

Abstract

Recently, 60Fe was found in the Earth crust formed in a nearby recent supernova (SN). If the distance to the SN and mass of the progenitor of that SN was known, then one could constrain SN models. Knowing the positions, proper motions, and distances of dozens of young nearby neutron stars, we can determine their past flight paths and possible kinematic origin. Once the birth place of a neutron star in a SN is found, we would have determined the distance of the SN and the mass of the SN progenitor star.