Spitzer Observations of Supernova Remnants. II. Physical Conditions and Comparison with HH7 and HH54

• Published in: The Astrophysical journal Vol. 726; no. 2; pp. 76 - jQuery1323911945411='48'
• Main Authors: Yuan, Yuan, Neufeld, David A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Bristol IOP Publishing 10.01.2011; IOP
• Subjects: Arrays; Astronomy; ASTROPHYSICS, COSMOLOGY AND ASTRONOMY; CHEMICAL REACTIONS; COSMIC RADIO SOURCES; DECOMPOSITION; DENSITY; Earth, ocean, space; ELEMENTS; EMISSION; ENERGY-LEVEL TRANSITIONS; EQUILIBRIUM; Exact sciences and technology; EXCITATION; FLUCTUATIONS; HERBIG-HARO OBJECTS; HYDROGEN; Infrared; NONMETALS; PHOTOCHEMICAL REACTIONS; Photodissociation; PHOTOLYSIS; PHYSICAL PROPERTIES; SHOCK WAVES; Spectrographs; Spectrometers; SUPERNOVA REMNANTS; THERMAL EQUILIBRIUM; VARIATIONS; Molecular process; Local equilibrium; Intensity; ISM: abundances; Abundance; Photodissociation; Thermal equilibrium; Shock front; Shock waves; Supernova remnants; ISM: molecules; Physical parameter; molecular processes; Density fluctuation; ISM: clouds; Excitation; Hot gas; Herbig-Haro objects; Power law

We have studied the shock-excited molecular regions associated with four supernova remnants (SNRs)--IC443C, W28, W44, and 3C391--and two Herbig-Haro objects--HH7 and HH54--using Spitzer's Infrared Spectrograph (IRS). The physical conditions within the observed areas (roughly ~1' X 1'...