Work

Decadal brightening in the north-eastern non-thermal filament of Cassiopeia A

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: We present the decadal brightening of non-thermal emission flux in the north-eastern filament of the young supernova remnant Cassiopeia A (Cas A), which highlights dynamic processes in the forward shock. This filament, characterized by the highest particle acceleration rate among Cas A’s outer shells, offers an exceptional opportunity to investigate underlying astrophysical mechanisms. Since 2000, the non-thermal flux has increased by several tens of percent before plateauing, while the spectral shape has remained largely unchanged. Over the past two decades, the filament’s morphology has evolved significantly, splitting into two distinct sections. Detailed analysis reveals contrasting behaviors: one section shows a flux increase followed by saturation, while the other maintains a steady flux. These differences likely arise from nonlinear effects, including magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) interactions influenced by magnetic field orientation, interactions with surrounding material, and complex fluid dynamics associated with young supernova remnants. The localized evolution of this filament, captured with high spatial resolution, provides critical insights into the temporal dynamics of non-thermal particles and the generation of cosmic rays from asymmetric supernova explosions.

Source: Publications of the Astronomical Society of Japan

DOI: 10.1093/pasj/psaf049

Authors: Nao Kominato, Toshiki Sato, Ryota Hayakawa, Yusuke Sakai, Shinya Yamada

Institutions: Rikkyo University, Meiji University, High Energy Accelerator Research Organization, International Center for Quantum-field Measurement Systems for Studies of the Universe and Particles

Language: English

Topic: Astrophysics and Cosmic Phenomena

Subfield: Nuclear and High Energy Physics

Field: Physics and Astronomy

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: green

Funder: Japan Society for the Promotion of Science