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Student Worksheet: Identifying Elements in Supernova
Remnants
Procedure
- Print out the three simulated spectra of the Tycho supernova remnant:
- Simulated ASCA Spectrum (doc, pdf)
- Simulated Astro-E Spectrum (doc, pdf)
- Simulated Constellation-X Spectrum (doc, pdf)
- Use the X-ray line chart below to identify the elements that
correspond to
the various peaks of emission seen in the spectra. (You can write
directly on
the printed spectra).
- Answer the Think About questions.
Energies of Elemental Spectral Line Features
| Element |
Energy (keV) |
O
O
Ne
Ne
Mg
Mg
Si
Si
S
S
Ar
Ar
Ca
Ca
Fe
Fe
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0.547
0.654
0.922
1.022
1.352
1.471
1.865
2.006
2.461
2.632
3.140
3.323
3.903
4.108
6.701
6.973
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Think About
- Using spectra, how does an astronomer determine the composition
of a star or supernova remnant?
- List some differences and similarities in the spectra from the
three X-ray observatories (ASCA, Astro-E,and Constellation X).
- Were you able to determine with better accuracy what elements
were present in the Astro-E spectra and Con-X spectra as compared to
the ASCA spectra? If so, why?
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