The Vela Supernova Remnant

Photo © Anglo-Australian Observatory/Royal Observatory, Edinburgh, David Malin (html)

  • RA 8:34; Dec -45:45 (Vela)
  • Type: supernova remnant
  • Distance: 6000 ly
  • This nebula is the remnant of a supernova that exploded about 10,000 years ago. Notice the great difference in appearance from the much younger Crab Nebula.
  • The Vela SNR is sometimes mistakenly refered to as the Gum Nebula. Actually, the Gum Nebula is a distinct object unrelated to the Vela SNR.

AAT html
(David Malin)

UKS html
(David Malin)

Bill Arnett1996 February 1