Supernova remnants in complex environments

The interstellar medium is rich in structure, and the interactions between its phases drive the large-scale and long-term evolution of galaxies. Supernova explosions are responsible for an energy input of the order of 10^51 erg per century for a galaxy like the Milky Way, and the remnant of the explosion dissipates the supernova energy by shocking, heating, and ionising its environment, enriching it chemically, and accelerating cosmic rays. These explosions often occur in complex environments, surrounded by ionised, neutral and molecular gas, dust, or even the cavities of previous supernova explosions.

The aim of the workshop will be to understand the complex interplay between a supernova remnant  and its environment. We will conduct the workshop as a mix of talks, moderated conversations, and case-study focus groups with a scientifically diverse mix of participants. We will address questions such as: what role do shock-cloud interactions play in accelerating high-energy cosmic rays? What mechanism is responsible for the gamma-ray emission observed in supernova remnants? What role does the pre-supernova phase of the progenitor star play in the supernova remnant evolution? Can superbubbles accelerate ultrahigh energy protons?

Each plenary session will be organised around a particular aspect of supernova remnant evolution, and the focus group participants will try to combine them into a cohesive picture for their case-study, which will be a specific complex region in our Galaxy or in neighbouring ones.