Search

The Vela supernova remnant complex is a region containing at least three supernova remnants: Vela, Puppis A, and Vela Jr. With the launch of the spectro-imaging X-ray telescope eROSITA on board the Spectrum Roentgen Gamma (SRG) mission, it became possible to observe the one degree wide Vela Jr in its entirety. Although several previous pointed Chandra and XMM-Newton observations are available, it is only the second time after the ROSAT all-sky survey that the whole remnant was observed in X-rays with homogeneous sensitivity. Vela Jr is one of the few remnants emitting in the TeV band, making it an important object in shock acceleration studies. However, the age and distance determination using X-ray emission is largely hampered by the presence of the Vela SNR along the same line. With the eROSITA data set our aim is to characterize the emission of Vela Jr and distinguish it from Vela emission, and also to characterize the spectral emission of the inner remnant. We processed the eROSITA data dividing the whole remnant into seven different regions. In addition, images of the whole remnant were employed to pinpoint the position of the geometric center and constrain the proper motion of the CCO. We also employed archival XMM-Newton pointed observations of the NW rim to determine the cutoff energy of the electrons and the expansion velocity. We find the magnetic field can vary between 2 $\mu$G and 16 $\mu$G in the NW rim. We also find that the remnant spectrum is uniformly featureless in most regions, except for two inner regions where an extra thermal model component improves the fit. We obtain new coordinates for the geometric remnant center, resulting in a separation of only 35.2 $\pm$ 15.8" from the position of the CCO. As a result, we reinforce the association between the CCO and a proposed faint optical/IR counterpart., Comment: Accepted for publication in A&A

During its performance verification phase, the soft X-ray instrument eROSITA aboard the Spektrum-Roentgen-Gamma(SRG) spacecraft observed large regions in the Magellanic Clouds, where almost 40 known high-mass X-ray binaries (HMXBs, including candidates) are located. We looked for new HMXBs in the eROSITA data, searched for pulsations in HMXB candidates and investigated the long-term behaviour of the full sample using archival X-ray and optical data. For sources sufficiently bright, a detailed spectral and temporal analysis of their eROSITA data was performed. A source detection analysis of the eROSITA images in different energy bands provided count rates and upper limits for the remaining sources. We report the discovery of a new Be/X-ray binary in the Large Magellanic Cloud. The transient SRGEt J052829.5-690345 was detected with a 0.2-8.0 keV luminosity of ~10^35 erg/s and exhibits a hard X-ray spectrum, typical for this class of HMXBs. The OGLE I-band light curve of the V~15.7 mag counterpart shows large variations by up to 0.75 mag, which occur quasi periodically with ~511 days. The eROSITA observations of the Small Magellanic Cloud covered 16 Be/X-ray binary pulsars, five of them were bright enough to accurately determine their current pulse period. The pulse periods for SXP 726 and SXP 1323 measured from eROSITA data are ~800 s and ~1006 s, respectively, far away from their discovery periods. Including archival XMM-Newton observations we update the spin-period history of the two long-period pulsars which show nearly linear trends in their period evolution since more than 15 years. The corresponding average spin-down rate for SXP 726 is 4.3 s/yr while SXP 1323 shows spin-up with a rate of -23.2 s/yr. We discuss the spin evolution of the two pulsars in the framework of quasi-spherical accretion., 21 pages, 28 figures, accepted for publication in Astronomy & Astrophysics, First science highlights from SRG/eROSITA

Aims. We present the results of the analysis of five observations of the globular clutser 47 Tucanae (47 Tuc) with the extended Roentgen Survey with an Imaging Telescope Array (eROSITA) on board the Spektrum-Roentgen-Gamma (Spektr-RG, SRG). We study the X-ray population in the field of one of the most massive globular clusters in our Milky Way. We focused on the classification of point-like sources in the field of 47 Tuc. The unresolved dense core of 47 Tuc (1.7 radius) and also sources that show extended emission are excluded from this study. Methods. We applied different methods of X-ray spectral and timing analysis together with multi-wavelength studies to classify the X-rays sources in the field of 47 Tuc. Results. We detected 888 point-like sources in the energy range of 0.2–5.0 keV. We identified 126 background active galactic nuclei and 25 foreground stars. One of the foreground stars is classified as a variable M dwarf. We also classified 14 X-ray sources as members of 47 Tuc, including one symbiotic star, two quiescent low-mass X-ray binaries, and four cataclysmic variables. There are also five X-ray sources that can either be a cataclysmic variable or a contact binary, and also one X-ray source can be an active binary (type RS CVn). We identified one X-ray binary that belongs to the Small Magellanic Cloud. Moreover, we calculated the X-ray luminosity function of 47 Tuc. No significant population that seems to belong to the globular cluster is observed in the energy range of 0.5–2.0 keV using eROSITA observations.

The Vela supernova remnant (SNR) shows several ejecta fragments protruding beyond the forward shock (shrapnel). Recent studies have revealed high Si abundance in two shrapnel (A and G), located in opposite directions with respect to the SNR center. This suggests the possible existence of a Si-rich jet-counterjet structure. We analyzed an XMM-Newton observation of a bright clump, behind shrapnel G, which lies along the direction connecting A and G. The aim is to study the physical and chemical properties of this clump to ascertain whether it is part of this putative jet-like structure. We produced background-corrected and adaptively-smoothed count-rate images and median photon energy maps, and performed a spatially resolved spectral analysis. We identified two structures with different physical properties. The first one is remarkably elongated along the direction connecting A and G. Its X-ray spectrum is much softer than that of the other two shrapnel, to the point of hindering the determination of the Si abundance, however its physical and chemical properties are consistent with those of shrapnel A and G. The second structure, running along the southeast-northwest direction, has a higher temperature and appears like a thin filament. By analyzing the ROSAT data, we have found that this filament is part of a very large and coherent structure that we identified in the western rim of the shell. We obtained a thorough description of the tail of Shrapnel G. In addition we discovered a coherent and very extended feature that we interpret as a signature of an earlier interaction of the remnant with the stellar wind of its progenitor star. The peculiar Ne/O ratio we found in the wind residual may be suggestive of a Wolf-Rayet progenitor for Vela SNR, though further analysis is required to address this point., 10 pages, 13 figures, Accepted to A&A

著者人数: H.E.S.S. Collaboration 253名 (所属. 宇宙航空研究開発機構宇宙科学研究所(JAXA)(ISAS): 桂川, 美穂; 中島, 真也; 小高, 裕和; 高橋, 忠幸), Number of authors: H.E.S.S. Collaboration 253 (Affiliation. Institute of Space and Astronautical Science, Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency(JAXA)(ISAS): Katsuragawa, Miho; Nakashima, Shinya; Odaka, Hirokazu; Takahashi, Tadayuki), Accepted: 2018-02-08, 資料番号: SA1170368000

We report on XMM-Newton observations of the supernova remnant (SNR) 3C434.1 (G94.0+1.0), the first in X-rays since the ROSAT era. Our analysis confirms the thermal origin of the observed extended X-ray emission, whose morphology appears more complex than previously reported. In particular, part of the shell shows a significantly harder spectrum which is consistent with a power law, and it is, therefore, likely of non-thermal origin. Motivated by these finding, we revisited the GeV observations of the field taken with the Fermi observatory. A significant excess associated with the remnant was detected, which is likely associated with non-thermal X-ray emission from part of the shell. The analysis of the Fermi data resulted in the serendipity discovery of GeV emission from the nearby SNR G093.7-00.2. Finally, we searched for a possible compact remnants within the shell, however, no obvious candidates could be identified due to the fairly large positional uncertainties.

A previous study of the X-ray luminosity function of the X-ray sources in the field of the Draco dwarf spheroidal (dSph) galaxy indicated the presence of a population of unknown X-ray sources in the soft energy range of 0.5-2 keV. In 2015, Draco dSph was observed again in twenty-six deep XMM-Newton, observations providing an opportunity for a new study of the yet unclassified sources. We apply the classification criteria presented in our previous multi-wavelength study of the X-ray sources of the Draco dSph to the sources detected in the combined 2009 and 2015 XMM-Newton data set. These criteria are based on X-ray studies and properties of the optical, near-infrared, and mid-infrared counterparts and allows us to distinguish background active galactic nuclei~(AGNs) and galaxies from other types of X-ray sources. We present the classification of X-ray sources, for which the counterpart is identified as a stellar object based on our criteria from multi-wavelength data. We identify three new symbiotic stars in the Draco dSph with X-ray luminosities between $\sim$3.5$\times10^{34}$ erg s$^{-1}$ and 5.5$\times10^{34}$ erg s$^{-1}$. The X-ray spectral analysis shows that two of the classified symbiotic stars are $\beta$-type. This is the first identification of this class of symbiotic stars in a nearby galaxy. Eight sources are classified as Galactic M dwarfs in the field of the Draco dSph. The distances of these M dwarfs are between$\sim$140-800 pc, their X-ray luminosities are between $10^{28}-10^{29}$ erg s$^{-1}$ and the logarithmic ratio of X-ray to bolometric luminosity, log$(\frac{L_\text{X}}{L_\text{bol}})$, is between $-3.4$ to $-2.1$. The multiple observations allowed us to investigate flare activity of the M dwarfs. Moreover, we classified three foreground sources, located at distances of the order of $\sim$1-3 kpc in the field of the Draco dSph., Comment: Accepted, A&A, 05/2019, 19 pages, 45 figures

Results from observations of the young oxygen-rich supernova remnant SNR 0102-72.3 in the Small Magellanic Cloud during the calibration phase of the XMM-Newton Observatory are presented. Both EPIC-PN and MOS observations show a ringlike structure with a radius of ~$15\arcsec$ already known from Einstein, ROSAT and Chandra observations. Spectra of the entire SNR as well as parts in the eastern half were analyzed confirming shocked hot plasma in non-uniform ionization stages as the origin of the X-ray emission. The spectra differ in the northeastern and the southeastern part of the X-ray ring, showing emission line features of different strength. The temperature in the northeastern part is significantly higher than in the southeast, reflected by the lines of higher ionization stages and the harder continuum. Comparison to radio data shows the forward shock of the blast wave dominating in the northern part of the SNR, while the southern emission is most likely produced by the recently formed reverse shock in the ejecta. In the case of the overall spectrum of SNR 0102-72.3, the two-temperature non-equilibrium ionization model is more consistent with the data in comparison to the single plane-parallel shock model. The structure of SNR 0102-72.3 is complex due to variations in shock propagation leading to spatially differing X-ray spectra.

Aims. We present the results of the analysis of five XMM-Newton observations of the Draco dwarf spheroidal galaxy (dSph). The aim of the work is the study of the X-ray population in the field of the Draco dSph.Methods. We classified the sources on the basis of spectral analysis, hardness ratios, X-ray-to-optical flux ratio, X-ray variability, and cross-correlation with available catalogues in X-ray, optical, infrared, and radio wavelengths.Results. We detected 70 X-ray sources in the field of the Draco dSph in the energy range of 0.2 − 12 keV and classified 18 AGNs, 9 galaxies and galaxy candidates, 6 sources as foreground stars, 4 low-mass X-ray binary candidates, 1 symbiotic star, and 2 binary system candidates. We also identified 9 sources as hard X-ray sources in the field of the galaxy. We derived the X-ray luminosity function of X-ray sources in the Draco dSph in the 2 − 10 keV and 0.5 − 2 keV energy bands. Using the X-ray luminosity function in the energy range of 0.5 − 2 keV, we estimate that ~10 X-ray sources are objects in the Draco dSph. We have also estimated the dark matter halo mass that would be needed to keep the low-mass X-ray binaries gravitationally bound to the galaxy.

We present a study of the supernova remnant MCSNR J0512-6707 in the Large Magellanic Cloud. We used new data from XMM-Newton to characterise the X-ray emission and data from the Australian Telescope Compact Array, the Magellanic Cloud Emission Line Survey, and Spitzer to gain a picture of the environment into which the remnant is expanding. We performed a morphological study, determined radio polarisation and magnetic field orientation, and performed an X-ray spectral analysis. We estimated the its size to be 24.9 (\pm1.5) x 21.9 (\pm1.5) pc, with the major axis rotated ~29 deg east of north. Radio polarisation at 3 cm and 6 cm indicate a higher degree of polarisation in the NW and SE tangentially oriented to the SNR shock front, indicative of an SNR compressing the magnetic field threading the interstellar medium. The X-ray spectrum is unusual as it requires a soft (~0.2 keV) CIE thermal plasma of interstellar medium abundance, in addition to a harder component. Using our results and the Sedov dynamical model, we showed that this emission is not consistent with a Sedov remnant. We suggested that the thermal X-rays can be explained by MCSNR J0512-6707 having initially evolved into a wind-blown cavity and is now interacting with the surrounding dense shell. The origin of the hard component remains unclear. We could not determine the supernova type from the X-ray spectrum. Indirect evidence was found in the study of the local stellar population and star formation history in the literature, which suggests a core-collapse origin. MCSNR J0512-6707 likely resulted from the core-collapse of high mass progenitor which carved a low density cavity into its surrounding medium, with the soft X-rays resulting from the impact of the blast wave with the surrounding shell. The unusual hard X-ray component requires deeper and higher spatial resolution radio and X-ray observations to confirm its origin., 11 pages, 7 figures, accepted for publication in Astronomy and Astrophysics. arXiv admin note: text overlap with arXiv:1505.06458

Aims: We present a study of the superbubble (SB) 30 Dor C and the newly identified MCSNR J0536-6913 in the LMC. Methods: All available XMM-Newton data (exposure times of 420 ks EPIC-pn, 556 ks EPIC-MOS1, 614 ks EPIC-MOS2) were used to characterise the thermal X-ray emission in the region. An analysis of the non-thermal X-rays is also presented and discussed in the context of emission mechanisms previously suggested in the literature. These data are supplemented by X-ray data from Chandra, optical data from the MCELS, and radio data from ATCA and MOST. Results: The brightest thermal emission was found to be associated with a new supernova remnant, MCSNR J0536-6913. X-ray spectral analysis of MCSNR J0536-6913 suggested an ejecta-dominated remnant with lines of O, Ne, Mg, and Si, and a total 0.3-10 keV luminosity of ~8E+34 erg/s. Based on derived ejecta abundance ratios, we determined the mass of the stellar progenitor to be either ~18 M_sun or as high as >40 M_sun, though the spectral fits were subject to assumptions (e.g., uniform temperature and well-mixed ejecta). The thermal emission from the SB exhibited enrichment by alpha-process elements, evidence for a recent core-collapse SNR interaction with the SB shell. We detected non-thermal X-ray emission throughout 30 Dor C, with the brightest regions being highly correlated with the H-alpha and radio shells. We created a non-thermal spectral energy distribution for the north-eastern shell of 30 Dor C which was best-fit with an exponentially cut-off synchrotron model. Conclusions: Thermal X-ray emission from 30 Dor C is very complex, consisting of a large scale SB emission at the eastern shell wall with the brightest emission due to MCSNR J0536-6913. The fact that the non-thermal spectral energy distribution of the SB shell was observed to roll-off is further evidence that the non-thermal X-rays from 30 Dor C are synchrotron in origin., 22 pages, 21 figures, accepted for publication in Astronomy and Astrophysics

The supernova remnant (SNR) W51C is a Galactic object located in a strongly inhomogeneous interstellar medium with signs of an interaction of the SNR blast wave with dense molecular gas. Diffuse X-ray emission from the interior of the SNR can reveal element abundances in the different emission regions and shed light on the type of supernova (SN) explosion and its progenitor. The hard X-ray emission helps to identify possible candidates for a pulsar formed in the SN explosion and for its pulsar wind nebula (PWN). We have analysed X-ray data obtained with XMM-Newton. Spectral analyses in selected regions were performed. Ejecta emission in the bright western part of the SNR, located next to a complex of dense molecular gas, was confirmed. The Ne and Mg abundances suggest a massive progenitor with a mass of > 20 M_sun. Two extended regions emitting hard X-rays were identified (corresponding to the known sources [KLS2002] HX3 west and CXO J192318.5+140305 discovered with ASCA and Chandra, respectively), each of which has an additional point source inside and shows a power-law spectrum with Gamma ~ 1.8. Based on their X-ray emission, both sources can be classified as PWN candidates., 6 pages, 4 figures, accepted for publication in Astronomy and Astrophysics

IGR J18483-0311 is a supergiant fast X-ray transient whose compact object is located in a wide (18.5 d) and eccentric (e~0.4) orbit, which shows sporadic outbursts that reach X-ray luminosities of ~1e36 erg/s. We investigated the timing properties of IGR J18483-0311 and studied the spectra during bright outbursts by fitting physical models based on thermal and bulk Comptonization processes for accreting compact objects. We analysed archival INTEGRAL data collected in the period 2003-2010, focusing on the observations with IGR J18483-0311 in outburst. We searched for pulsations in the INTEGRAL light curves of each outburst. We took advantage of the broadband observing capability of INTEGRAL for the spectral analysis. We observed 15 outbursts, seven of which we report here for the first time. This data analysis almost doubles the statistics of flares of this binary system detected by INTEGRAL. A refined timing analysis did not reveal a significant periodicity in the INTEGRAL observation where a ~21s pulsation was previously detected. Neither did we find evidence for pulsations in the X-ray light curve of an archival XMM-Newton observation of IGR J18483-0311. In the light of these results the nature of the compact object in IGR J18483-0311 is unclear. The broadband X-ray spectrum of IGR J18483-0311 in outburst is well fitted by a thermal and bulk Comptonization model of blackbody seed photons by the infalling material in the accretion column of a neutron star. We also obtained a new measurement of the orbital period using the Swift/BAT light curve., Accepted for publication in Astronomy and Astrophysics. 8 pages

We present the results obtained from the analysis of three XMM-Newton observations of M83. The aims of the paper are studying the X-ray source populations in M83 and calculating the X-ray luminosity functions of X-ray binaries for different regions of the galaxy. We detected 189 sources in the XMM-Newton field of view in the energy range of 0.2-12 keV. We constrained their nature by means of spectral analysis, hardness ratios, studies of the X-ray variability, and cross-correlations with catalogues in X-ray, optical, infrared, and radio wavelengths. We identified and classified 12 background objects, five foreground stars, two X-ray binaries, one supernova remnant candidate, one super-soft source candidate and one ultra-luminous X-ray source. Among these sources, we classified for the first time three active galactic nuclei (AGN) candidates. We derived X-ray luminosity functions of the X-ray sources in M83 in the 2-10 keV energy range, within and outside the D_25 ellipse, correcting the total X-ray luminosity function for incompleteness and subtracting the AGN contribution. The X-ray luminosity function inside the D_25 ellipse is consistent with that previously observed by Chandra. The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test shows that the X-ray luminosity function of the outer disc and the AGN luminosity distribution are uncorrelated with a probability of about 99.3%. We also found that the X-ray sources detected outside the D_25 ellipse and the uniform spatial distribution of AGNs are spatially uncorrelated with a significance of 99.5%. We interpret these results as an indication that part of the observed X-ray sources are X-ray binaries in the outer disc of M83., Comment: Accepted for publication in Astronomy and Astrophysics. 30 pages. Appendices will be published electronically only

We perform an analysis of the X-ray superbubble in the N 206 HII region in the Large Magellanic Cloud using current generation facilities to gain a better understanding of the physical processes at work in the superbubble and to improve our knowledge of superbubble evolution. We used XMM-Newton observations of the N 206 region to produce images and extract spectra of the superbubble diffuse emission. Morphological comparisons with Halpha images from the Magellanic Cloud Emission Line Survey were performed, and spectral analysis of the diffuse X-ray emission was carried out. We derived the physical properties of the hot gas in the superbubble based on the results of the spectral analysis. We also determined the total energy stored in the superbubble and compared this to the expected energy input from the stellar population to assess the superbubble growth rate discrepancy for N 206. We find that the brightest region of diffuse X-ray emission is confined by a Halpha shell, consistent with the superbubble model. In addition, faint emission extending beyond the Halpha shell was found, which we attribute to a blowout region. The spectral analysis of both emission regions points to a hot shocked gas as the likely origin of the emission. We determine the total energy stored in the bubble and the expected energy input by the stellar population. However, due to limited data on the stellar population, the input energy is poorly constrained and, consequently, no definitive indication of a growth rate discrepancy is seen. Using the high-sensitivity X-ray data from XMM-Newton and optical data from the Magellanic Cloud Emission Line Survey has allowed us to better understand the physical properties of the N 206 superbubble and address some key questions of superbubble evolution., Comment: 12 pages, 7 figures. Accepted for publication in A&A

We present new X-ray and radio data of the LMC SNR candidate DEM L205, obtained by XMM-Newton and ATCA, along with archival optical and infrared observations. We use data at various wavelengths to study this object and its complex neighbourhood, in particular in the context of the star formation activity, past and present, around the source. We analyse the X-ray spectrum to derive some remnant's properties, such as age and explosion energy. Supernova remnant features are detected at all observed wavelengths: soft and extended X-ray emission is observed, arising from a thermal plasma with a temperature kT between 0.2 keV and 0.3 keV. Optical line emission is characterised by an enhanced [SII]/Halpha ratio and a shell-like morphology, correlating with the X-ray emission. The source is not or only tentatively detected at near-infrared wavelengths (< 10 microns), but there is a detection of arc-like emission at mid and far-infrared wavelengths (24 and 70 micron) that can be unambiguously associated with the remnant. We suggest that thermal emission from dust heated by stellar radiation and shock waves is the main contributor to the infrared emission. Finally, an extended and faint non-thermal radio emission correlates with the remnant at other wavelengths and we find a radio spectral index between -0.7 and -0.9, within the range for SNRs. The size of the remnant is ~79x64 pc and we estimate a dynamical age of about 35000 years. We definitely confirm DEM L205 as a new SNR. This object ranks amongst the largest remnants known in the LMC. The numerous massive stars and the recent outburst in star formation around the source strongly suggest that a core-collapse supernova is the progenitor of this remnant. (abridged), 11 pages, 6 figures, accepted for publication in A&A

The Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) is rich in supernova remnants (SNRs) which can be investigated in detail with radio, optical and X-ray observations. SNR J0453-6829 is an X-ray and radio-bright remnant in the LMC, within which previous studies revealed the presence of a pulsar wind nebula (PWN), making it one of the most interesting SNRs in the Local Group of galaxies. We study the emission of SNR J0453-6829 to improve our understanding of its morphology, spectrum, and thus the emission mechanisms in the shell and the PWN of the remnant. We obtained new radio data with the Australia Telescope Compact Array and analysed archival XMM-Newton observations of SNR J0453-6829. We studied the morphology of SNR J0453-6829 from radio, optical and X-ray images and investigated the energy spectra in the different parts of the remnant. Our radio results confirm that this LMC SNR hosts a typical PWN. The prominent central core of the PWN exhibits a radio spectral index alpha_Core of -0.04+/-0.04, while in the rest of the SNR shell the spectral slope is somewhat steeper with alpha_Shell = -0.43+/-0.01. We detect regions with a mean polarisation of P ~ (12+/-4)% at 6 cm and (9+/-2)% at 3 cm. The full remnant is of roughly circular shape with dimensions of (31+/-1) pc x (29+/-1) pc. The spectral analysis of the XMM-Newton EPIC and RGS spectra allowed us to derive physical parameters for the SNR. Somewhat depending on the spectral model, we obtain for the remnant a shock temperature of around 0.2 keV and estimate the dynamical age to 12000-15000 years. Using a Sedov model we further derive an electron density in the X-ray emitting material of 1.56 cm^-3, typical for LMC remnants, a large swept-up mass of 830 solar masses, and an explosion energy of 7.6 x 10^50 erg. These parameters indicate a well evolved SNR with an X-ray spectrum dominated by emission from the swept-up material., Accepted for publication in A&A, 7 pages, 8 figures, figure 5 with lower resolution

Aims. By analysing the asymmetric pulse profiles of the transient Be/X-ray binaries 4U 0115+63 and V 0332+53 we aim to identify the origin of the pulsed emission to understand the geometry of the accretion onto the neutron star. Methods. We have applied the pulse-profile decomposition method, which enabled us to find two symmetric pulse profiles for the two magnetic poles of the neutron star. We derived beam patterns for different energy bands and luminosity states. This allowed us to identify the components that are responsible for the emission. The analysis and the models used for the interpretation of the results take relativistic light deflection into account. Results. We find that the magnetic field of the neutron star is distorted in both 4U 0115+63 and V 0332+53. The beam patterns are interpreted in terms of a model for an accretion column that includes the formation of a halo at the bottom of the accretion column and scattering in the upper accretion stream. Conclusions. In both systems, an accretion column forms while the accretion rate is high. If the accretion decreases and the sources become fainter, the emission from the halo and the accretion column disappears. In 4U 0115+63 there seems to be significant scattering of photons in the still existing accretion stream even at the end of the outburst. In V 0332+53, the scattering in the upper stream also disappears at the end and we apparently observe the emission from the hot spots on the neutron star.

Aims: We study the diffuse X-ray emission observed in the field of view of the pulsar B 0540-69 in the Large Magellanic Cloud (LMC) by XMM-Newton. We want to understand the nature of this soft diffuse emission, which coincides with the superbubble in the HII region N 158, and improve our understanding of the evolution of superbubbles. Methods: We analyse the XMM-Newton spectra of the diffuse emission. Using the parameters obtained from the spectral fit, we perform calculations of the evolution of the superbubble. The mass loss and energy input rates are based on the initial mass function (IMF) of the observed OB association inside the superbubble. Results: The analysis of the spectra shows that the soft X-ray emission arises from hot shocked gas surrounded by a thin shell of cooler, ionised gas. We show that the stellar winds alone cannot account for the energy inside the superbubble, but the energy release of 2 - 3 supernova explosions in the past ~1 Myr provides a possible explanation. Conclusions: The combination of high sensitivity X-ray data, allowing spectral analysis, and analytical models for superbubbles bears the potential to reveal the evolutionary state of interstellar bubbles, if the stellar content is known., 7 pages. Accepted for publication in A&A

Context. The Vela supernova remnant displays several ejecta, which are fragment-like features protruding beyond the front of its primary blast shock wave. They appear to be "shrapnel", bowshock-shaped relics of the supernova explosion. One of these pieces of shrapnel (A), located in the northeastern edge of the remnant, is peculiar because its X-ray spectrum exhibits a high Si abundance, in contrast to the other observed ejecta fragments, which show enhanced O, Ne, and Mg abundances. Aims. In this Letter we present the analysis of another ejecta fragment located opposite to shrapnel A with respect to the center of the shell, in the southwestern boundary of the remnant, named shrapnel G. We aim to fully characterize its X-ray emission to gather new information about the core-collapse supernova explosion mechanism. Methods. We thoroughly analyzed a dedicated XMM-Newton observation of shrapnel G by producing background-subtracted and exposure-corrected maps in different energy ranges, which we complemented with a spatially resolved spectral analysis of the X-ray emission. Results. The fragment presents a bowshock-like shape with its anti-apex pointing to the center of the remnant. Its X-ray spectrum is best fit by a thermal plasma out of equilibrium of ionization with low O and Fe, roughly solar Ne and Mg, and a significantly high Si abundance, which is required to fit a very clear Si line at ∼1.85 keV. Its chemical composition and spectral properties are compatible with those of shrapnel A, which is located on the opposite side of the remnant. Conclusions. As a consequence of the nucleosynthesis, pieces of Si-rich shrapnel are expected to originate in deeper layers of the progenitor star compared to ejecta with lower-Z elements. A high velocity and density contrast with respect to the surrounding ejecta are necessary to make shrapnel A and G overtake the forward shock. The line connecting shrapnel A and G crosses almost exactly the expansion center of the remnant, strongly suggesting a Si-rich jet-counterjet structure, reminiscent of that observed in the young remnant Cas A., Facultad de Ciencias Astronómicas y Geofísicas