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Pa 30 is a nebula observed by the Gemini North Telescope in Hawaii, believed to be the remnant of a supernova explosion witnessed by Chinese, Japanese, and Arabic astronomers in the year 1181. The explosion is classified as a Type Iax supernova, thought to have resulted from the merger of two white dwarf stars. The nebula features radial filaments with pearl-like knots approximately 4 light-days in diameter, likely formed by the strong stellar wind from an extremely hot central star.
Why it matters
This observation helps astronomers understand rare Type Iax supernovae and connect modern astronomical observations with historical records spanning over 845 years. Studying the unusual structure of Pa 30 provides insights into white dwarf mergers and the mechanisms that create such distinctive nebular formations.
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Supernova Remnant Pa 30
Explanation: “Happy New Year!” No, wait, this is not a fireworks display. This image shows Nebula Pa 30, observed with the Gemini North Telescope in Hawai’i. It is likely the remnant of an old supernova explosion: separate historical records by Chinese, Japanese and Arabic astronomers tell of a “guest star” that appeared in the sky for 185 days in the year 1181. It is believed that this bright new point of light came from the supernova that caused the fireworks in Pa 30. Astronomers don’t know exactly what happened in this unusual explosion, classified as a Type Iax supernova, but it is thought to be caused by the merger of two white dwarfs. The mysterious central star in the image is extremely hot and produces a strong wind, possibly forming the radial filaments. Look closely at them: those pearl-like knots stringing the filaments are 4 light-days in diameter. Understanding how a supernova created this amazing nebula continues an 845-year old mystery (and counting).
Tomorrow’s picture: smörgåsbord
| Date | October 7, 2026 |
|---|---|
| Credit & License | International Gemini Observatory/NOIRLab/NSF/AURA. Acknowledgment: PI: T. Cunningham (Center for Astrophysics – Harvard & Smithsonian). Image Processing: J. Miller & M. Rodriguez (International Gemini Observatory/NSF NOIRLab), T.A. Rector (University of Alaska Anchorage/NSF NOIRLab), D. de Martin & M. Zamani (NSF NOIRLab). |
| Authors & editors: | Cecilia Chirenti, Robert Nemiroff, Jerry Bonnell, Keighley Rockcliffe |
| A service of: |
ASD at NASA / GSFC, NASA Science Activation & Michigan Tech. U. |