Chemical Abundances in Sgr A East: Evidence for a Type Iax Supernova Remnant

Abstract Recent observations have shown a remarkable diversity of observational behaviors and explosion mechanisms in thermonuclear supernovae (SNe). An emerging class peculiar SNe, called Type Iax, show photometric spectroscopic distinct from normal Ia. Their origin remains highly controversial, but pure turbulent deflagration white dwarfs (WDs) has been regarded as the leading formation theory. The large population Iax indicates existence unidentified Galactic supernova remnants (SNRs). We report evidence that SNR Sgr A East center resulted Chandrasekhar-mass carbon–oxygen WD, an mechanism used for SNe. Our X-ray study using 3 Ms Chandra data shows low ratio intermediate-mass elements to Fe Mn/Fe Ni/Fe ratios. This abundance pattern does not accord with core-collapse or Ia models. is thus first which likely proposed nearest target studying this class. compared Fe-rich SNRs 3C 397 W49B, also high Mn Cr abundances were claimed result deflagration-to-detonation explosions WDs (although disputes). they patterns. studies provide theories there are diverse channels various metal outputs WDs.