EXOSAT Observations of the TYCHO Supernova Remnant
Robba, N. R.; Taylor, B. G.; Smith, A.; Morini, M.; Peacock, A.; Davelaar, J.
Netherlands, Italy
Abstract
The Gas Scintillation Proportional Counter and the Medium Energy Instruments on board EXOSAT were used to measure the X-ray spectrum of the Tycho supernova remnant over the range 1.5 - 10 keV. The emission lines due to S, Ar, Ca, and Fe (≡6.48 keV) are clearly resolved from the underlying continuum which is measured to have a temperature of 6.5±0.5 keV. From a consideration of all available X-ray observations it is suggested that the 6.5 keV continuum and the Fe K emission arise in the primary shock while the emission due to Si, S, Ar, and Ca and the emission observed in the LE are associated with the reverse shock.