Complex K: Supernova Origin of Anomalous-velocity H i Structure

Abstract

Abstract We address one of the lingering mysteries of high-velocity clouds: If the anomalous negative velocities are the result of the approaching gas from old supernovae, then where are the receding counterparts of the expanding shells? Data from the λ-21 cm Galactic neutral hydrogen EBHIS survey (Winkel et al.) show multiple signatures of the expanding shells. The near-side (approaching) H i shells form part of Complex K. The high blueshifted velocities result from the H i moving into the low-density environment of inter-arm space. The H i data also show a distinctive, bow-shaped feature, the signature of the far-side (receding) emission of an expanding shell. The low redshifted velocity results from the gas expanding into volumes of space with a higher density. If we make the simplifying assumptions that the expansion of the shells is uniform and spherically symmetric, then the explosions took place about ⪅3 × 105 yr ago. The momentum, p ∼ 7 × 104 M ⊙ km s−1, agrees with recent model estimates for supernova evolution. Supernova explosions attributed to the unseen companion in several binary systems identified by the Third Gaia Data Release may be responsible for anomalous-velocity H i gas in Complex K. Four binary star systems with neutron-star candidates are located at the edge of the Sagittarius spiral arm and used to determine the distance to the H i features discussed here.