APOD Post of September 10th 2010: Vela Supernova Remnant
I was originally drawn to this post for aesthetic purposes considering the picture is absolutely incredible. The nebulous aftermath of an exploding star clearly is an appealing subject as well. However, going into the subject more deeply, the science behind the picture is just as interesting. During the explosion of a supernova for a brief time the explosion can be brighter than an entire galaxy. The shock wave that is released after the explosion picks up an expanding shell of gas and also sweeps up interstellar dust which then creates a supernova remnant. This specific supernova is located in the constelation Vela. The light from the explosion is estimated to have reached Earth 11,000 years ago and is approximately 800 light years away. Figures like this are so hard to grasp and yet so interesting. This supernova remnant is said to be part of the Gum Nebula which is also supposedly of the same nature, only is said to have exploded over 1 million years ago and is so close to Earth that it is hard to see.
Take some time to go look at pictures of other supernova remnants. They are incredible, literally almost unbelievable.
-Samuel
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