Speaker
Description
Supernova remnants (SNRs) are known to accelerate particles up to relativistic energies. We have recently discovered a new SNR, G310.7-5.4 at high Galactic latitude using the ASKAP’s EMU and POSSUM surveys at 943.5 MHz (Burger-Scheidlin et al., in prep.). The faint, extended object has an apparent size of 30.6′ × 30.6′ and shows the typical SNR bilateral shell structure. Strong linear polarisation is detected from the bilateral shell regions, showing an opposite sign rotation measure indicative of a toroidal magnetic field. It is also one of the faintest known radio SNRs. Furthermore, a spatially coincident gamma-ray source is detected, indicating that the SNR could be accelerating particles to high energies.
SNRs at high Galactic latitudes, such as the one presented here, have received attention in recent years as more of them are detected off the Galactic plane. Discovering these objects together with their gamma-ray counterparts can put a new perspective on such sources as these SNRs are expanding in rather unperturbed, low-density environments, with diminished risk of source confusion. This allows to study cosmic ray (CR) acceleration and constrain CR models. Compiling a representative sample of this group of SNRs can allow to deduce their general properties. We have therefore put together a list of such sources, currently comprising a dozen objects to compare their properties such as size, energy flux and photon spectral index. Some of these SNRs may also be good targets for the upcoming, next-generation Cherenkov Telescope Array Observatory (CTAO).
