X-ray spectrum of Cassiopeia A measured with the Einstein SSS

Abstract

The solid state spectrometer (SSS) on the Einstein Observatory observed the X-ray spectrum of Cas A between 0.8 and 4.5 keV with a FWHM energy resolution of 160 eV. Line emission consistent with transitions of helium-like ions of Si, S, and Ar was well defined. Comparison between the data and the emission expected from a gas containing two distinct thermal components requires additional line emission from Mg, Al, Ca, and Fe. These results are discussed in the context of both equilibrium and nonequilibrium situations.