Gemini North Reveals Knots in Supernova Remnant Pa 30

Researchers used the Gemini North telescope to study Pa 30, a supernova remnant in the Milky Way. Their observations revealed knots along strands of gas radiating from the remnant.

Key details

• Historical Japanese, Chinese, and Arabic records describe a stellar event dated to 1181 that researchers have linked to Pa 30.
• Researchers identify Pa 30 as the only known Milky Way remnant of a Type Iax supernova.
• A surviving stellar object sits near the remnant’s center.
• The research appeared in The Astrophysical Journal.

Pa 30’s gas strands contain knots researchers observed with the Gemini North telescope.

Why it matters

Pa 30 gives researchers a rare opportunity to study a Milky Way remnant associated with a Type Iax supernova and examine the structure of its gas strands alongside a surviving stellar object.

What happens next

Researchers can continue studying Pa 30’s strands and central star to learn more about this rare supernova remnant. What details will future observations reveal?