Discovery of thermal X-ray emission in the supernova remnant G337.8-0.1 (Kes 41)

Abstract

Aims: We report here on the first detection at X-ray wavelengths of the Supernova Remnant (SNR) G337.8-0.1, carried out with the XMM-<i>Newton</i> Observatory. Methods: Using the X-ray observations, we studied the X-ray morphology of the remnant at different energy ranges, analysed the spectral properties and investigated a possible variable behavior. Results: The SNR shows a diffuse filled-center structure in the X-ray region with an absence of a compact source in its center. We find a high column density of N<SUB>H</SUB> > 6.9 × 10<SUP>22</SUP> cm<SUP>-2</SUP>, which supports a relatively distant location (d ≥ 7 kpc). The X-ray spectrum exhibits emission lines, indicating that the X-ray emission has a thin thermal plasma origin, and is well represented by a non-equilibrium ionization (NEI) plasma model. The X-ray characteristics and well-known radio parameters show that G337.8-0.1 belongs to the emerging class of mixed-morphology (MM) SNRs.