Deep-sky object class · e.g. The Crab Nebula (M1)
Supernova Remnant
The expanding cloud of debris left behind when a star explodes as a supernova, sweeping up and shock-heating the surrounding interstellar medium. Supernova remnants seed the galaxy with heavy elements, accelerate cosmic rays, and — like the Crab — can harbour the neutron star born in the collapse.
Highlights
- ›The shock-heated wreckage of an exploded star — e.g. the Crab
Examples & related concepts
Knowledge connections
- Associated withCrab Nebula
- Associated withWestern Veil Nebula (NGC 6960)
- Associated withCore-Collapse Supernova
- Associated withType Ia Supernova
Sources
The primary and reference sources this topic draws on.
- NASANational Aeronautics and Space Administration
Mission data, planetary science, space telescopes, and public-domain imagery.
Most NASA-produced imagery is in the public domain; individual items are checked for usage terms before publication.