Pulsar nebulae in supernovae

Abstract

A unified picture is presented of the appearance of a pulsar nebula that is interacting with surrounding supernova gas. A minimum amount of luminosity is produced by the shock front that is driven into the supernova gas; this is generally about 1.5 percent of the total supernova power. Additional luminosity can be produced by emission from within the pulsar bubble. Detailed results are presented for possible photoionization in a supernova at ages of 4 and 10 yrs. The upper limit on the total power of a pulsar in SN 1987A is about 5 x 10 exp 38 ergs/s or lower if the pulsar nebula has a high radiative efficiency. A general prediction of the pulsar model is broadening of the lines with time because of the acceleration by the pulsar bubble.

Identifiers

DOI

10.1086/171674

Citations and references