Detection of High-Velocity NaI Absorption Toward the Stellar Remnant of SN 1181 AD

Abstract

We report the detection of weak high-velocity NaI absorption at V${}_{\odot }$ = $-61.0\pm 0.2$ km s${}^{-1}$ in the spectrum of the stellar remnant at the center of the Galactic supernova remnant of 1181 AD. This velocity is not unlike that seen in old, more evolved SN remnants, but is much less than the remnant's $\simeq 10^3$ km s${}^{-1}$ expanding optical nebula. We briefly discuss its possible nature and origin.

4 pages, 1 figure