High-Resolution Spectra of Supernova Remnants in M83

P. Frank Winkler, Knox S. Long, William P. Blair, Sean D. Points

Published 2022-11-30Version 1

In order to better characterize the rich supernova remnant (SNR) population of M83 (NGC 5236), we have obtained high-resolution (about 85 km/s) spectra of 119 of the SNRs and SNR candidates in M83 with Gemini/GMOS, as well as new spectra of the young SNRs B12-174a and SN1957D. Most of the SNRs and SNR candidates have [S II]:H{\alpha} ratios that exceed 0.4. Combining these results with earlier studies we have carried out with MUSE and at lower spectroscopic resolution with GMOS, we have confirmed a total of 238 emission nebulae to be SNRs on the basis of their [S II]:H{\alpha} ratios, about half of which have emission lines that show velocity broadening greater than 100 km/s, providing a kinematic confirmation that they are SNRs and not H II regions. Looking at the entire sample, we find a strong correlation between velocity widths and the line ratios of [O I]{\lambda}6300:H{\alpha}, [N II]{\lambda}6584:H{\alpha} and [S II]{\lambda}{\lambda}6716,6731:H{\alpha}. The density-sensitive [S II]{\lambda}6716:{\lambda}6731 line ratio is strongly correlated with SNR diameter, but not with the velocity width. We discuss these results in the context of previously published shock models.