supernova remnant

A Dictionary of Astronomy | 1997 | 595 words | Copyright

supernova remnant (SNR) A diffuse nebula consisting of the remains of the outer layers of a star that have been blown into space by a supernova explosion, together with swept-up interstellar matter. The expansion velocity can approach a few per cent of the speed of light. SNRs are strong sources of X-ray emission and radio waves (synchrotron radiation). SNRs can be classed as either shell remnants, such as Cassiopeia A, or the rare filled-centre remnants (plerions), such as the Crab Nebula. Plerions are believed to be energized by a central pulsar, the collapsed core of the exploded star.

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