IRAS 15099 - 5856 and the composite supernova remnant G320.4 - 1.2

The supernova remnant (SNR) G320.4 - 1.2 is a composite SNR, containing both a shock-dominated shell, and a pulsar-dominated plerion. G320.4 - 1.2 is one of the few SNRs in which a pulsar has been detected. This paper reports on IRAS observations of this SNR. A pointlike source (IRAS 15099 - 5856) near the position of the pulsar appears quite prominently at 25 microns. The region appears more complex at 60 and 100 microns. Three models that may account for the IR emission of IRAS 15099 - 5856 are examined; none of these is entirely satisfactory. Some IR emission is detected from the brightest portion of the shell of this SNR, but this emission is nearly hidden by other confusing sources.