IGR J14003-6326: A new composite supernova remnant G310.6-1.6 harboring one of the most energetic pulsars in the Galaxy PSR J1400-6325
Nearly one third of the hard X-ray (> 20 keV) sources detected by the
INTEGRAL IBIS/ISGRI instrument are still unclassified. Among the potential
source candidates, young supernova remnants (SNRs) and pulsar wind nebulae
(PWNe) are of particular interest, as these sources are privileged sites
of efficient particle acceleration up to very high energies. Hard X-ray
observations offer the unique opportunity to probe acceleration mechanisms
in these sources at the extreme upper end of the particle spectrum.
In the course of follow-up Chandra observations toward unidentified IBIS
sources, IGR J14003-6326 turned out to be coincident with a new composite
SNR dubbed G310.6-1.6. As shown in the Figure, it harbors a
filled-center X-ray emission with a bright point source at the center,
surrounded by one of the smallest shell-like structure known so far. RXTE
observations revealed 31.18 ms pulsations, confirmed later on through radio
(Parkes) observations. PSR J1400-6325 is one the most energetic pulsars
in the Galaxy, with a spin-down luminosity of 5.1 x 1037 erg/s. A detailed
multi-wavelength investigation suggests a distant (~7 kpc) and young
(~1000 yr) source.
Related links:
"Chandra Localizations and Spectra of Integral Sources in the Galactic Plane: The Cycle 9 Sample"
Tomsick J.A., Chaty S., Rodriguez, J. et al. 2009, ApJ, 701, 811
"Discovery of a Highly Energetic Pulsar Associated with IGR J14003-6326 in
the Young Uncataloged Galactic Supernova Remnant G310.6-1.6"
Renaud M., Marandon V., Gotthelf, E.V. et al. 2010, ApJ, 716, 663
