An infrared survey of Galactic supernova remnants

Abstract

A survey of Galactic supernova remnants (SNRs) in the infrared has been completed. Flux densities or upper limits on the flux densities have been measured for 157 objects in each of the four broad bands surveyed by the Infrared Astronomical Satellite (IRAS). Nearly one-third of the known SNRs exhibit some evidence of infrared emission. Confusion with other Galactic sources is a serious problem. Contour maps and halftone images are presented for 51 SNRs which are probable infrared sources. Initial analysis indicates that both the infrared spectra or colors and the ratio of infrared to radio brightnesses can discriminate between the youngest SNRs and older SNRs. In general, however, SNRs cannot be distinguished from other Galactic sources solely on the basis of their infrared colors. No apparent relation is found between the infrared surface brightnesses and the diameters of SNRs.