Supernova Remnants in the Irregular Galaxy NGC4449

TL;DR

This study identifies and confirms supernova remnants in galaxy NGC4449 using optical imaging and spectroscopy, revealing challenges in distinguishing SNRs from diffuse gas and emphasizing the need for high-resolution observations.

Contribution

It provides a detailed optical survey and spectroscopic confirmation of SNR candidates in NGC4449, highlighting the difficulties in accurate identification due to diffuse gas contamination.

Findings

Identified 49 SNR candidates based on [SII]:H-alpha ratios.

Confirmed 15 SNRs using spectral line ratios and line widths.

Most previous candidate identifications could not be confirmed with high-resolution data.

Abstract

The nearby irregular galaxy NGC4449 has a star formation rate of about 0.4 solar masses/yr and should host of order 70 SNRs younger than 20,000 years, a typical age for SNRs expanding into to an ISM with unit density to reach the radiative phase. We have carried out an optical imaging and spectroscopic survey in an attempt to identify these SNRs. This task is challenging because diffuse gas with elevated ratios of [SII]:H-alpha is omnipresent in NGC4449, {causing confusion when using this common diagnostic for SNRs. Using narrow-band interference-filter images, we first identified 49 objects that have elevated [SII]:H-alpha ratios compared to nearby HII regions. Using Gemini-N and GMOS, we then obtained high-resolution spectra of 30 of these SNR candidates, 25 of which have [SII]:H-alpha ratios greater than 0.5. Of these, 15 nebulae are almost certainly SNRs, based on a combination of characteristics: higher [OI]:H-alpha ratios and broader line widths than observed from HII regions. The remainder are good candidates as well, but need additional confirmation. Surprisingly, despite having superior imaging and spectroscopic data sets to examine, we are unable to confirm most of the candidates suggested by Leonidaki (2013). While NGC4449 is likely an extreme case because of the high surface brightness and elevated [SII]:H-alpha ratio of diffuse gas, it highlights the need for sensitive high-resolution optical spectroscopy, or high spatial resolution radio or X-ray observations that can ensure accurate SNR identifications in external galaxies.