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P.A. Milne (NRC/NRL), J.D. Kurfess (NRL), M.D. Leising (Clemson University), D.D. Dixon (U.C. -Riverside)
Extensive observations using the CGRO/OSSE instrument have permitted the first investigations of the distribution of positronium continuum emission in the Galaxy. Maps have been generated of both the 511 keV line and the positronium continuum portions of the total annihilation radiation. Additionally, potential bulge and disk distributions have been tested against the measurements of each component. The two emissions appear to follow a similar distribution for both bulge and disk components. Differences between these maps would be suggestive of a variation of the positronium faction, which is a diagnostic of the characteristics of the annihilation media. The previously reported enhancement of 511 keV emission from positive latitudes is not present at a significant level in the positronium continuum maps. Potential interpretations of this finding are given. The ramifications of the overall picture emerging from the OSSE analysis in the context of supernova science concludes this discussion.
This research was funded by a Research Assistantship from the National Research Council.