Tw. Jones et al., 10(51) ERGS - THE EVOLUTION OF SHELL SUPERNOVA-REMNANTS, Publications of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific, 110(744), 1998, pp. 125-151
Citations number
115
Categorie Soggetti
Astronomy & Astrophysics
Journal title
Publications of the Astronomical Society of the Pacific
This paper reports on the workshop ''10(51) Ergs: The Evolution of She
ll Supernova Remnants,'' hosted by the University of Minnesota, 1997 M
arch 23-26. The workshop was designed to address fundamental dynamical
issues associated with the evolution of shell supernova remnants and
to understand better the relationships between supernova remnants and
their environments. Although the title points only to classical, shell
SNR structures, the workshop also considered dynamical issues involvi
ng X-ray-filled composite remnants and pulsar-driven shells, such as t
hat in the Crab Nebula. Approximately 75 observers, theorists, and num
erical simulators with wide-ranging interests attended the workshop. A
n even larger community helped through extensive on-line debates prior
to the meeting to focus issues and galvanize discussion. In order to
deflect thinking away from traditional patterns, the workshop was orga
nized around chronological sessions for ''very young,'' ''young,'' ''m
ature,'' and ''old'' remnants, with the implicit recognition that thes
e labels are often difficult to apply. Special sessions were devoted t
o related issues in plerions and ''thermal X-ray composites.'' Controv
ersy and debate were encouraged. Each session also addressed some unde
rlying, general physical themes: How are supernova remnant (SNR) dynam
ics and structures modified by the character of the circumstellar medi
um (CSM) and the interstellar medium (ISM), and vice versa? How are ma
gnetic fields generated in SNRs and how do magnetic fields influence S
NRs? Where and how are cosmic rays (electrons and ions) produced in SN
Rs, and how does their presence influence or reveal SNR dynamics? How
does SNR blast energy partition into various components over time, and
what controls conversion between components? In lieu of a proceedings
volume, we present here a synopsis of the workshop in the form of bri
ef summaries of the workshop sessions. The sharpest impressions from t
he workshop were the crucial and underappreciated roles that environme
nts have on SNR appearance and dynamics and the critical need for broa
d-based studies to understand these beautiful but enigmatic objects.