Supernova Remnant
The structure resulting from the explosion of a star in a supernova. It consists of ejected material expanding from the explosion and the shocked interstellar medium it sweeps up.
Source: apod.nasa.gov
APODs including "Supernova Remnant"
The Mermaid Nebula Supernova Remnant
18/09/2024
New stars are born from the remnants of dead stars. The gaseous remnant of the gravitational collapse and subsequent death of a very massive star in our Milky Way created the G296.5+10.0 supernova remnant, of which the featured Mermaid Nebula is part. Also known as the Betta Fish Nebula, the Mermaid Nebula makes up part of an unusual subclass of supernova remnants that are two-sided and nearly circular. Originally discovered in X-rays, the filamentary nebula is a frequently studied source also in radio and gamma-ray light. The blue color visible here originates from doubly ionized oxygen (OIII), while the deep red is emitted by hydrogen gas. The nebula's mermaid-like shape has proven to be useful for measurements of the interstellar magnetic field. Growing Gallery: Last night's supermoon eclipse