Expectation on Observation of Supernova Remnants with the LHAASO Project

TL;DR

The paper discusses how the LHAASO project will enhance observations of supernova remnants in very high energy gamma rays, aiding in understanding cosmic ray acceleration mechanisms.

Contribution

It highlights the potential of LHAASO to expand gamma-ray SNR samples and improve spectral and morphological data, especially above 30 TeV.

Findings

LHAASO will survey the northern gamma-ray sky from 0.3 TeV to PeV energies.

Enhanced measurements will help determine if gamma rays originate from hadron acceleration.

Improved data will clarify the connection between SNRs and cosmic rays observed at Earth.

Abstract

Supernova remnants (SNRs) are believed to be the most important acceleration sites for cosmic rays (CRs) below $\sim10^{15}$ eV in the Galaxy. High energy photons, either directly from the shocks of the SNRs or indirectly from the interaction between SNRs and the nearby clouds, are crucial probes for the CR acceleration. Big progresses on observations of SNRs have been achieved by space- and ground-based $\gamma$-ray facilities. However, whether $\gamma$-rays come from accelerated hadrons or not, as well as their connection with the CRs observed at Earth, remains in debate. Large High Altitude Air Shower Observatory (LHAASO), the next generation experiment, is designed to survey the northern part of the very high energy $\gamma$-ray sky from $\sim 0.3$ TeV to PeV with the sensitivity of $\lesssim1\%$ of the Crab nebula flux. In this paper, we indicate that LHAASO will be dedicated to enlarging the $\gamma$-ray SNR samples and improving the spectral and morphological measurements. These measurements, especially at energies above 30 TeV, will be important for us to finally understand the CR acceleration in SNRs.