Vela Supernova Remnant

September 27, 2013

VELA_Wave_HaOIIIRGB-X3

Photographer: Marco Lorenzi; Marco's Web site
Summary Author: Marco Lorenzi

The Vela Supernova Remnant, featured above, is one of the best examples of the aftermath of a supernova explosion. This supernova occurred about 10,000 - 12,000 years ago and its remnant, the shock wave made visible by the dust and gas swept up as the wave moves outward from the exploding star, is approximately 800 light years distant. The azure blue color seen here is due to the strong emission of oxygen. Note that Vela is a constellation observed high overhead for viewers in the Southern Hemisphere.  Photo taken from Coonabarabran, Australia on August 5, 2013.