Comparing Neutron Star Kicks to Supernova Remnant Asymmetries

Understand

Supernova explosions are inherently asymmetric and can accelerate new-born neutron stars (NSs) to hundreds of km/s.

• Two prevailing theories to explain NS kicks are ejecta asymmetries (e.g., conservation of momentum between NS and ejecta) and anisotropic neutrino emission.
• Observations of supernova remnants (SNRs) can give us insights into the mechanism that generates these NS kicks.
• In this paper, we investigate the relationship between NS kick velocities and the X-ray morphologies of 18 SNRs observed with the Chandra X-ray Observatory and the Rontgen Satellite (ROSAT).