Are Models for Core-Collapse Supernova Progenitors Consistent with the Properties of Supernova Remnants?

TL;DR

This study compares supernova remnant X-ray spectra with models to distinguish between core-collapse and Type Ia progenitors, finding that Fe-K line energies effectively differentiate the two types.

Contribution

It introduces detailed models linking supernova progenitor types to X-ray spectral features, especially Fe-K line energies, aligning with recent observations.

Findings

Core-collapse models predict higher Fe-K line centroid energies.

Fe-K line energies effectively distinguish supernova progenitor types.

Circumstellar environment density influences Fe-K line energies.

Abstract

The recent discovery that the Fe-K line luminosities and energy centroids observed in nearby SNRs are a strong discriminant of both progenitor type and circumstellar environment has implications for our understanding of supernova progenitor evolution. Using models for the chemical composition of core-collapse supernova ejecta, we model the dynamics and thermal X-ray emission from shocked ejecta and circumstellar material, modeled as an $r^{-2}$ wind, to ages of 3000 years. We compare the X-ray spectra expected from these models to observations made with the Suzaku satellite. We also model the dynamics and X-ray emission from Type Ia progenitor models. We find a clear distinction in Fe-K line energy centroid between core-collapse and Type Ia models. The core-collapse supernova models predict higher Fe-K line centroid energies than the Type Ia models, in agreement with observations. We argue that the higher line centroids are a consequence of the increased densities found in the circumstellar environment created by the expansion of the slow-moving wind from the massive progenitors.