An optical search for supernova remnants in the nearby spiral galaxy NGC 2903

Abstract

We present the results of an optical search for supernova remnants (SNRs) in the nearby spiral galaxy NGC 2903. Interference filter images and spectral data were taken in March 2005 with the f/7.7 1.5 m Russian Turkish Telescope (RTT150) at TUBITAK National Observatory (TUG). Spectral data were obtained with the 6 m BTA (Bolshoi Azimuthal Telescope, Russia). We used the SNR identification criterion that consists of constructing the continuum-subtracted H$\alpha$ and continuum-subtracted [SII]$\lambda$$\lambda$6716,6731 images and their ratios. Five SNR candidates were identified in NGC 2903 with [SII]/H$\alpha$ ratios ranging from 0.41 - 0.74 and H$\alpha$ intensities ranging from 9.4$\times10^{-15}$ to 1.7$\times10^{-14}$ ergs cm$^{-2}$ s$^{-1}$. This work represents the first identification of SNRs by an optical survey in NGC 2903. We present the spectrum of one of the bright candidates and derive an [SII]/H$\alpha$ emission line ratio of 0.42 for this source. In addition, the weak [OIII]$\lambda$5007/H$\beta$ emission line ratio in the spectrum of this SNR indicates an old oxygen-deficient remnant with a low propagation velocity.