X-ray Spectroscopy of Ejecta and Compact Objects in Supernova Remnants

TL;DR

This thesis uses X-ray spectroscopy and modeling to analyze supernova remnants, aiming to identify ejecta signatures, understand plasma properties, and detect compact objects in remnants like SN 1987A.

Contribution

It introduces methods combining X-ray observations with hydrodynamic models to address key issues in supernova remnant analysis.

Findings

Potential spectral signatures for ejecta identification

Insights into plasma overionization in IC 443

Constraints on the compact object in SN 1987A

Abstract

This thesis is devoted to the analysis of X-ray observations of supernova remnants (SNRs), exploiting the diagnostic potential provided by X-ray spectroscopy and complementing it with the synthesis of X-ray observables from multi-dimensional hydrodynamic (HD) and magneto-hydrodynamic (MHD) models. I tackle three open issues: the search for a spectral signature to correctly recover abundance and mass values of the stellar fragments ejected in the SN explosion through their X-ray spectra; the study of anisotropies and the origin of overionized plasma in the mixed-morphology SNR IC 443; the quest for the elusive compact object in SN 1987A.