Mikako Matsuura (Cardiff University)
From metal to dust and dust to metal – how the supernova explosions impact on the dust and elemental abundance of the interstellar medium
Supernova (SN) explosions seed heavy elements synthesised in high-mass stars into the interstellar medium (ISM). Some of atoms ejected by the supernova explosion condense into dust grains in the supernova remnants. It is still in debate how much elements condense into dust in supernova remnants. We discuss the current problem in our understanding of dust formation and metal budget in SNe.
In parallel, SN explosions generate shock waves, propagating into the ISM. It has been proposed that SN shocks destroy dust grains pre-existing in the ISM, and the destruction of dust grains releases elements back into gas in the ISM. Yet, it is still undermined how efficient dust destruction rates. We report the latest estimate of dust destruction rates and abundance measurements in SN remnants.