Planetary Nebulas Explorer

This composite image depicts a supernova remnant, which has a bright nebula at its core, surrounded by a cloud of X-rays detected with Chandra. Here, the nebula is represented by a small golden yellow dot at the center of the image. The dot appears to hover inside a tangle of light blue veins, which resemble a lightning cluster. Enveloping the nebula is the massive x-ray cloud, which occupies much of the image. Round in shape, the diffuse X-ray cloud is shown here in mottled neon purple. It represents the debris from the star destroyed in the supernova explosion.

Supernovas

Witness one of the most powerful and awe-inspiring events in the universe—the explosive death of a massive star.

Cassiopeia A

Cassiopeia A is the remnant of a supernova explosion that occurred around 1680. It's one of the strongest radio sources in the sky and provides insights into stellar death and element formation.

Distance: 11,000 light-years

Explore Cassiopeia A