Abstract
We estimate gamma-ray fluxes due to the decay of nuclei beyond 209Bi from a supernova or a supernova remnant assuming that the r-process occurs in supernovae. We find that a detector with a sensitivity of ∼10-7 γ cm-2 s-1 at energies from ∼40 keV to ∼3 MeV may detect fluxes due to the decay of 226Ra, 229Th, 241Am, 243Am, 249Cf, and 251Cf in the newly discovered supernova remnant near Vela. In addition, such a detector may detect fluxes due to the decay of 227Ac and 228Ra produced in a future supernova at a distance of ∼1 kpc. Because nuclei with mass numbers A > 209 are produced solely by the r-process, such detections are the best proof for a supernova r-process site. Further, they provide the most direct information on yields of progenitor nuclei with A > 209 at r-process freeze-out. Finally, detection of fluxes due to the decay of r-process nuclei over a range of masses from a supernova or a supernova remnant provides the opportunity to compare yields in a single supernova event with the solar r-process abundance pattern.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 213-219 |
Number of pages | 7 |
Journal | Astrophysical Journal |
Volume | 524 |
Issue number | 1 PART 1 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Oct 10 1999 |
Keywords
- Gamma rays: theory
- Nuclear reactions, nucleosynthesis, abundances
- Supernova remnants
- Supernovae: general