Supernova Remnant

Example: Crab Nebula (M1)

The expanding cloud of debris left after a massive star explodes as a supernova.

Key facts

How it forms: A massive star explodes as a supernova
May contain: A neutron star
Example shown: Crab Nebula (M1)
Explosion seen: 1054, recorded by Chinese astronomers
Example’s distance: About 6,500 light-years

About the Supernova Remnant

How to recognise it

Supernova remnants are tangled webs of glowing filaments spreading out from the site of a stellar explosion. At the centre there may be a neutron star, the collapsed core of the star that exploded.

The example: the Crab Nebula

In 1054, Chinese astronomers recorded a new “guest star” bright enough to see in daylight for about a month. Its remains are the Crab Nebula, about 6,500 light-years away and now about six light-years across. At its centre is a neutron star spinning about 30 times a second.