Radio Emission from the Supernova Remnant Vela-X

Abstract

Radio observations are presented of the fairly large galactic complex Vela-X, Y, and Z. These sources are believed to be the remnant of a supernova having an optical identification with the filamentary nebula Stromlo 16. The brightness distributions, obtained at four frequencies, indicate an open annular structure reminiscent of other supernova remnants. The variation of spectral index over the region is investigated and shows that the radiation is substantially nontherm81, the integrated fluxes yielding a spectral index of -0,3. A high resolution distribution of magnetic field direction is deduced from polarization measurements made at three frequencies; a circumferential magnetic field is a possible interpretation of the field orientations.