2014ApJ...786L..24D

The region toward W51C is a convincing example of interaction between a supernova remnant (SNR) and a surrounding molecular cloud. Large electron abundances have been reported toward the position W51C-E located in this interaction region, and it was proposed that the enhanced ionization fraction was due to cosmic ray particles freshly accelerated by the SNR shock. We present Plateau de Bure Interferometer observations of the H¹³CO⁺(1-0) and DCO⁺(2-1) emission lines centered at position W51C-E. These observations confirm the previous scenario of cosmic-ray-induced ionization at this location. In addition, SiO(2-1) emission has been successfully mapped in the close vicinity of W51C-E, with a spatial resolution of 7''. The morphology and kinematics of the SiO emission are analyzed and strongly suggest that this emission is produced by the passage of the SNR primary shock. Put in conjunction with the enhanced ionization fraction in this region, we give a consistent picture in which the W51C-E position is located downstream of the shock, where a large reservoir of freshly accelerated particles is available.