Vela SNR

The Vela Supernova Remnant (SNR) is large structure encompassing 8 degrees in the southern constellation of Vela (The Sails) about 800 light years distant with a visual magnitude of about 12. It is believed to result from a powerful explosion of a star some 11,000 -12,000 years ago. The shock waves shown in the image as blue-green from oxygen emission and red/magenta from hydrogen emission have been expanding ever since. The Vela pulsar (PSR B0833-45) associated with this SNR is a neutron star that was formed when a massive star collapsed. It is 12 miles in diameter and rotates over 11 times per second. It is just off the bottom of the image.