An IRAS survey of Galactic supernova remnants

A new independent survey of the IR emission for 161 Galactic supernova remnants are presented on the basis of Skyflux image data from the Infrared Astronomical Satellite. A new Galactic rotation curve with current IAU constants, R0 = 8.5 kpc and V0 = 220 km/s, is used to derive new kinematic distances for 11 of the 44 positively or possibly identified remnants. Temperature-sensitive flux ratio images are employed to help identify and define remnant emission structures and fluxes, particularly in complex regions. Of the 161 remnants examined, clear IR emission from 35 was found, with nine additional possible detections. Almost all young remnants (Tycho, Kepler, Cas A, Crab) were found to have a significant 12- and 25-micron flux, while older remnants are brightest at 60 and 100 microns. Correlations with mass and temperature indicate that older remnants are both colder and more massive, as expected from decreasing velocity. No radius-luminosity correlation was seen.