The supernova remnant RCW 103 at radio wavelengths

High-resolution radio polarimetry of the Galactic supernova remnant RCW 103 shows a nearly circular, fairly thick shell. A number of thin filaments appear throughout the shell; they match perfectly the filamentary structure seen at optical wavelengths. We have found no evidence for a point x-ray source seen in the center of the remnant by the Einstein Observatory. The observed polarization is weak and is present only at a few spots which do not correspond with the brightest regions seen in total intensity, However, at all locations where polarization is observed, the orientation of the magnetic field is nearly the same, These data indicate that RCW 103 has recently entered the point-blast stage in its evolution. (C) 1996 American Astronomical Society.