Detecting supernova remnants in external galaxies

Abstract

Identification of supernova remnants (SNR) in external galaxies through the combined use of radio, optical and X-ray surveys is discussed. Some 24 likely distant galaxy SNR have been found in the past six years, though confirmation is often difficult. Radio surveys of other galaxies are restricted by background object contamination in the field, and confirmation of these candidates requires other techniques. Optical measurement of the ratio of the forbidden SII doublet at .6717 and .6731 microns to H-alpha, followed by spectroscopic or radio confirmation, has successfully identified SNR in the LMC and other galaxies, though few in number. Most of the SNR in the Magellanic Clouds have been detected as X-ray emitters, but towards M31 there are no coincidences between the lists of optical SNR and X-ray sources. An increase in SNR identifications should result from use of the Space Telescope and continued use of the VLA.