Britannica Sources used in this answer

Which wavelengths can synchrotron radiation from supernova remnants include?

Created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

Synchrotron radiation produced by supernova remnants is generated by electrons spiraling in a magnetic field at speeds approaching the speed of light. Because these electrons exist at a wide variety of energy levels, they produce radiation across a broad spectrum.1

Synchrotron radiation from supernova remnants can include the following wavelengths:

  • Radio21
  • Infrared1
  • Optical (visible light)21
  • Ultraviolet21
  • X-rays1
  • Gamma rays1

This emission is characterized as nonthermal radiation, meaning it is not dependent on the temperature of the source. It is also typically highly polarized and continuous across these frequencies.21