The Glowing Gas Ring around Supernova 1987A
This NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope Wide Field and Planetary Camera 2 image shows the glowing gas ring around supernova 1987A, as seen on February 2, 2000. The gas, excited by light from the explosion, has been fading for a decade, but parts of it are now being heated by the collision of an invisible shockwave from the supernova explosion.
About the Image
About the Object
| Name: | SN 1987A |
|---|---|
| Type: | Local Universe : Star : Evolutionary Stage : Supernova |
| Distance: | 170000 light years |
| Constellation: | Dorado |
| Category: | Miscellaneous Stars |
Coordinates
| Position (RA): | 5 35 27.97 |
|---|---|
| Position (Dec): | -69° 16' 11.28" |
| Field of view: | 0.04 x 0.04 arcminutes |
| Orientation: | North is 290.2° left of vertical |
View in ESASky:
View in WorldWide Telescope:
Colours & filters
| Band | Telescope |
|---|---|
| Optical |
Hubble Space Telescope
WFPC2 |