Is the expanding molecular cloud surrounding λ Orionis caused by a Supernova?

K. Cunha, V. V. Smith

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

26 Scopus citations

Abstract

We investigate the possibility that the expanding ring of gas surrounding the O star λ Ori could be due to the explosion of a type II supernova some 300,000-370,000 years ago. Based upon the observed properties of the ring and a set of simple equations describing the radius and expansion velocity of a supernova remnant as a function of time, we find that the expanding ring could be the result of a supernova occurring in a flattened molecular cloud. This model could explain the peculiar motion of λ Ori relative to the ring of gas if λ Ori were the binary companion to the progenitor star of the supernova.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)892-894
Number of pages3
JournalAstronomy and astrophysics
Volume309
Issue number3
StatePublished - 1996
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • ISM: clouds
  • Pulsars: individual: Geminga
  • Stars: λ Ori
  • Supernova: remnants

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Astronomy and Astrophysics
  • Space and Planetary Science

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