Orateur
Dr
Gloria DUBNER
(Institute of Astronomy and Space Physics, IAFE)
Description
Supernova remnants (SNRs) are believed to be the main source of Galactic cosmic rays with energies up to 10^15 eV. Strong SNR shocks provide ideal acceleration sites for electrons and maybe ions.
In fact, among the identified Galactic gamma-ray sources the majority are associated with the violent, late phases of the stellar life.
Good radio continuum observations at different frequencies can provide information about three main aspects the SNRs: morphology, polarization and spectrum. In principle, from this information it is possible to locate the sites of particle acceleration and investigate the energy spectrum of the accelerated particles. It is also possible to estimate the intensity, orientation and degree of order of the magnetic fields. Also middle-aged SNRs interacting with molecular clouds can emit hadronic gamma-rays arising from neutral pions produced in inelastic collisions of the cosmic ray protons with molecular material. Therefore, a complete radio study of SNRs and the surrounding matter constitute an invaluable tool to advance in the comprehension of the physics underlying the very-high energy emission.
In this talk I will present some recent radio studies of SNRs and the interstellar gas, paying particular attention in discussing the caveats for a proper use of radio data.
