Low-frequency observations of the Vela supernova remnant and their implications

Abstract

Observations of the Vela SNR at 34.5 MHz are reported and improved spectral-index estimates are presented and discussed. The flux densities of Vela X and YZ at 34.5 MHz are estimated to be 1800 and 3900 Jy, respectively, and their spectral indices are estimated to be -0.16 +/- 0.02 and -0.53 +/- 0.03, respectively. The spectral index estimates, along with other known characteristics, strengthen the hypothesis that Vela X is a plerion, while Vela YZ is a typical shell-type SNR.