Studies of shock-heated interstellar plasma

Abstract

Supernova remnants (SNRs), interstellar bubbles, and superbubbles are generated either by stellar winds, by one or multiple stellar explosions, or by a combination of these and are driven by the expansion of strong shock waves propagating into the interstellar medium (ISM). The evolution of SNRs and bubbles as well as the distribution of the hot phase of the ISM can be studied best in soft X-ray line and continuum emission, since these plasmas are very hot (106 – 107 K). We present recent results of our studies of SNRs and superbubbles in the nearby galaxies, in particular in the Large Magellanic Cloud. In addition, we will discuss the prospects of ISM research with the eROSITA telescope onboard the Spectrum-RG satellite scheduled for launch in 2015