G309.2-00.6 AND JETS IN SUPERNOVA-REMNANTS

We present Australia Telescope Compact Array observations of the super nova remnant (SNR) G309.2-00.6. In a 1.3-GHz continuum image the remna nt appears as a near-circular shell, but with two brightened and disto rted arcs of emission on opposite sides, PI I absorption against the S NR yields a distance in the range 5.4 to 14.1 kpc, corresponding to an age (1-20) x 10(3) yr. On the basis of the morphology of the SNR we a rgue that it is a younger analogue of the W 50/SS 433 system, and that its unusual appearance is a result of opposed jets or outflows from a central sourer. A jet-like feature and breaks in the shell can both b e seen along the axis of proposed outflow providing further support fo r this interpretation; the central source itself is not detected. The SMC may be interacting with the adjacent Hn region RCW 80 through an e xtension of the proposed outflow beyond its shell. This would put the SNR at the lower limit of its distance range and would imply an age le ss than or similar to 4000 yr. We consider other SNRs similar to G309. 2-00.6, and propose remnants whose shells are affected by jets as one of several classes of SNR from which the presence of a central source can be inferred.