Supernova Remnants
The capabilities of Constellation-X will open a new window into the physics of supernova (SN) explosions through a dramatic improvement in the quality of the observations of young, ejecta-dominated supernova remnants (SNRs). The high spatial and spectral resolution of Constellation-X will enable determination of the composition, ionization state and velocity of the material throughout the SNR to build a complete model for the structure of the shocked ejecta and the ambient medium. This has an enormous potential to constrain both the physics of supernova explosions and the details of the pre-supernova evolution of the progenitor systems for both core collapse and thermonuclear supernovae. Constellation-X will also enhance our understanding of other aspects of supernova remnants, such as the acceleration of cosmic rays at shock fronts and pulsars and their wind nebulae.
