A model of the Cygnus Loop

Abstract

A model of the Cygnus Loop based on a supernova exploding into a region of the interstellar medium containing a density discontinuity is presented. The breakout phenomenon is then able to explain the high velocity optical emission observed in this remnant by Kirschner and Taylor (1976). It also gives rise to two X-ray emitting components whose intensity and hardness variations over the remnant are in agreement with observations.